Editor's Note: Window on the Clearwater has joined the Wednesday's Child network to help spread the word about children that are waiting for families to give them the loving care that they need. Each Wednesday we will profile a different child. For more information about Wednesday's Child and how you can be involved check the web site at: http://www.idahowednesdayschild.org/.

Joey & Stephine

Ages: 6-7

"Hi, I'm Joey. I'm in second grade. I like school and I have a very nice teacher. I really like to learn about Math, especially multiplication. I like recess when I get to play on the monkey bars and basketball. I love pets, especially dogs. Chihuahuas are my favorite. I also like cats and lizards. I love LEGO, to play the PS2, and to watch movies. I love my little sister, Stephine, but sometimes she is annoying. She loves it when I give her a piggyback ride. We like to play hide-and-seek and freeze tag.

I think I would like to be adopted because that means I will have a family that I can live with forever and ever. I would like a family with a mom and dad, but no brothers or other kids, just Stephine. I would like my mom to be nice and to take me to Chuck E Cheese. I hope my dad will play with me and teach me things. He would let me stay up late, but not all the time. He could read me stories, play basketball with me, and teach me how to play baseball."

Joey wants his potential adoptive parents to know that he is smart, learning Math, and a good artist. He also wants them to know that he wants to be with his sister, and that they want some pets!

Joey's adoption worker confirmed his self-assessment. He is a smart little boy who is very friendly and social, and who gets along well with his peers. He can melt hearts with his adorable smile, big brown eyes, and slight speech impediment. His affection for and care of his younger sister is also very heart warming. They are very bonded and need a family who can keep them together while providing the individual time and attention each will need. Joey has experienced much early childhood trauma, and multiple transitions, but has shown strong resiliency. He has the ability to attach, and thrives in stable, nurturing environments where his needs are being met. He does well in school with medication to manage his ADHD but will need parents who can support and advocate for him in school as he grows.

Stephine is equally as adorable and endearing as her older brother. She looks to him for comfort, guidance and approval, and lights up when he gives it to her. She will need parents who can take over the parent role in her life without damaging the strong sibling bond between them. Stephine, like Joey, is an affectionate little girl who has the ability to attach to caregivers, though she struggles with anger and impulse control and has had difficulty at school getting along with peers and accepting authority. Stephine will do best in a home where there is consistency, structure, and a calming environment. A chaotic household will not be beneficial for Stephine. She needs parents who can provide consistent positive-parenting techniques and good role-modeling. She will require continued professional services, including therapy and PSR services, and has made good progress with both of these to date. Stephine loves all things ‘girl,' especially Barbies. She loves animals and does well with them. She gets along well with the other foster children in her home, and thrives on attention and recognition of accomplishments that she works hard at.

Those who have energy, patience, time, good parenting skills, and lots of love to give two bonded siblings, should inquire about Joey and Stephine. The rewards will be certain and long lasting, and it would be difficult to find a sweeter, more bonded group.

Portraits by Pomerelle Portrait Design Studios

To find out more about Joey & Stephine, call the Idaho CareLine number, 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30343.

Wednesday's Child Archives...