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/.

Shanyia

Age: 13

Being in a large, temporary family is teaching Shanyia about getting along with others, sharing the workload and being able to vocalize what she needs, but it's not easy. She longs for her own space and having her own attention from a mom and a dad. Feeling safe and having someone who listens are high on her list. If you have the time and patience to focus on her needs and at the same time teach her to be an equal shareholder in your family, Shanyia looks forward to joining a permanent family.

"Hi, my name is Shanyia. It's pronounced 'Shan-eye-ah.' I like dancing and doing cheerleading with my friends. I love my art, and I like animals of all kinds. I might want to be a veterinarian or to have my own pet some day.

The things that are important to me in a family begin with a mom and dad that are kind, loving and caring. I don't want them to bicker and fight all the time...that's really important to me. I would like parents who have a good career, but also have time to help me on my homework and to be involved in my activities. I hope they will let me stay in touch with my biological family; with my parents, sister, grandparents and cousins.

My adoptive family could live in the country or the city--it doesn't really matter. They might already have birth children; in fact, a brother and sister would be great, but I hope I'm the older sister. I hope I can have my own room...that would be nice to have my own space.

At my current foster home, I have chores and get a $20.00 allowance each month to buy clothes and things I need. I don't mind helping in a family, and I even like to help sometimes with baking. But I don't want to feel like a slave, either.

I want a family that plays games together and has fun together. I hope this lets you know a little about me. I'm a little scared about adoption, but I look forward to having parents who will walk me down the aisle some day."

Shanyia is eager to have her own space after living in a few large families where she was uncomfortable with the pecking order. Whether her new family has children or not isn't as important as Shanyia having some space for herself and individual attention from parents who will love and support her.

If you have knowledge about helping children bond securely to parents and siblings, and you are willing to share your life with Shanyia through thick and thin, please have your agency forward your completed home study as soon as possible to her caseworker. Shanyia is ready to discover that "there's no place like home."

Portrait by Matt Green from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Shanyia, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30453.

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