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/.

Jerry

Age: 9

Portrait provided by Oregon Heart Gallery. Profile provided by NWAE.

Jerry is a very inquisitive and creative nine year old boy, who loves to do all kinds of art projects. He also enjoys most physical activities and playing chess and video games. Most recently, he has begun to enjoy having adults read to him. Jerry has been in foster care five years and has had 12 placements, including his current Therapeutic foster care home. He is currently working through his confusion (concerning the first four years of his life) and is trying to understand more about his life through Play Therapy and his artwork. He has a solid Treatment Team in place (including his Therapist, Psychiatrist, Speech Therapist, Day Treatment Staff and a Mentor) to help him heal from his trauma. His team should be viewed as a great source of information and support to prospective adoptive parents.

Jerry would do best in a 2-parent family and he responds more positively to men than women, so a male couple might be well suited to him. However, what is most important for Jerry is that his prospective parents have some understanding and knowledge of "attachment theory," as well as grief and loss issues. Jerry needs a committed family, who can remain emotionally neutral when Jerry escalates, and who can provide a calm and nurturing environment, with a consistent, predictable day to day schedule, with clear and firm boundaries. He needs a secure and patient family, who can give Jerry the time he will need to develop trust; a family flexible enough to understand Jerry's sense of fairness, his feelings of anxiety and his issues around trust. Prospective parents who have knowledge/experience with OIS Training (Positive Parenting) and Collaborative Problem Solving will be viewed favorably.

Most recently, Jerry's self esteem has improved and he is learning to practice empathy. He now enjoys spending time with his Mentor, and they have gone to church together, which Jerry also enjoys. Jerry has been through considerable trauma, loss and grief, but he still wants very much to be adopted. A safe, secure and permanent family may be the key to help Jerry realize his full potential.

To find out more about adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588. Jerry is available for adoption through the State of Oregon.

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