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/.

Andy

Age: 9

"Hi. My name is Andrew, but I ONLY like to be called Andy! I like almost every sport, but basketball is my favorite! I play basketball for the Special Olympics, and someday I want to play basketball for the BSU Broncos. I got to spend some time shooting hoops with them and meet the coaches. I even get to be a junior coach at a BSU basketball game this year, and I can't wait!

I think that it's important for a family to know that I am AWESOME. I am also trying really hard to be good and work on my bad behaviors. I also like pets, especially dogs, and hope I can have a pet in my family. I have two younger brothers who got adopted, and I want to be able to see them sometimes."

Andy is a great kid who is full of enthusiasm, affection, and ambition. He is a loving child who can be very sweet and endearing, and he has been able to develop a strong bond with his foster mom, despite a previous attachment disorder diagnosis. He has experienced a multitude of losses, moves, and much grief and loss in his young life. His need for stability, unconditional love and affection will be key to his ability to move beyond these hurts, develop attachments to a family, and begin to heal.

Andy's adoption team feels that he will do best in a two-parent family where one parent is at home full time. He needs a lot of attention, time, and structure to thrive. He also needs a family that stays active and will keep him busy doing all the activities he loves. Andy enjoys consistency and routine, but he needs a family that can also be flexible and who does not have unrealistic expectations for Andy. Andy is on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) at school, and most of his difficulties in school stem from lack of attention, distractibility, and emotional and behavioral disturbance. He is a bright young boy that needs a lot of encouragement and redirection. Andy would do well in a family with no other children, or much older children. He thrives when given a lot of one-on-one attention, and when he can keep busy, and knows what to expect each day.

While bad days can mean sadness and frustration for both Andy and his caregivers, Andy's smile, exuberance, and general joy for life can make a permanent commitment to this special boy worth the effort. If you think you can be Andy's lifelong family, please call the Careline today.

Portraits by Matt Green from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Andy, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30204.You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30240.

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