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/.

Lisa

Age: 14

"Hi, my name is Lisa. I like to listen to music, do track, and hang out with friends in my spare time. In school I like math and P.E., and when I graduate from high school I want to go to college and become a veterinarian. I have always wanted to be a vet and have never changed my mind about that. I love animals, especially cats and dogs. I want to succeed and have fun, and it is important to me that my parents help me in that direction.

I look forward to spending time together with my family and having fun. I would like to do things like traveling, vacations, playing board games and card games, skiing, and swimming. I think the things that are most important in a family are respect, friendship, trustworthiness, caring, getting along, and trying to understand the other person's point of view. I want a mother to understand me, and I want to be able to talk to her. Same in a dad. I want a family with a least a single mom, but not a single dad."

Described as a resilient teenager who is very personable, Lisa makes friends easily. Her cheerfulness is a strength that attracts friends at school. And positive emotional support is important to her when it comes to family. Lisa says she's been able to lean on her brother when life seems hard. She wants a family that would be willing to help her maintain contact with him, no matter where she lives.

Lisa would do well with a family that will accept her, praise her and help her discover obvious leadership talents. Supervision, structure, and accountability are parenting skills she will benefit from, especially if they are paired with opportunities and respect for her emerging identity. Lisa would do well with a female mentor who emphasizes the fun side of being a woman. She is a tom-boy with definite ideas of her own, but she is willing to consider new styles and ways when it's presented respectfully as her choice.

Lisa could be successful with siblings or as an only child. She might do well with a dad who will model male behavior that's consistently safe and encouraging. She needs to be surrounded by positive messages and with a family who will make growing up fun for her. If you have a completed home study, please ask the Idaho CareLine to connect you to Lisa's adoption caseworker and remember to ask about legal risk, which currently exists.

To find out more about Lisa, 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: 30311.

Portraits by Pomerelle Portrait Design Studios

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