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/.

Cassy

Age: 11

"Hi, I'm Cassy. I'm pretty good with the animals in our home. I help with feeding them and spend time with them. We have four dogs and some fish. I sometimes feed the cats outside.

My favorite subject in school is science. I love swimming, especially at Roaring Springs. I love scary rides! I like scary movies, too. At night if I get scared, I just wake up and read a book.

I like eating out. Seafood is my favorite, only not clams or oysters. I like lobster and shrimp and crab. I don't like Chinese food as much, but I can eat some of it. I can't hold chopsticks though."

Cassy enjoys an active, outdoorsy family. She loves bike riding, camping, shopping and listening to pre-teen music. She likes eating out, but also loves food cooked over a campfire with family and friends--hot dogs or marshmallows on a stick and S'mores. Hamburgers and fries are favorites, too.

According to her caseworker, Cassy is an active, social girl. Once she is comfortable with trusted adults, she reveals her ready wit and dry sense of humor. In her family, she shouldered more caregiver responsibilities than a girl her age should carry. She needs parents who will safeguard her childhood. Although Cassy is very helpful around the house, her foster parents make sure there's plenty of fun with family, as well as with girls her age.

Cassy is proud of her accomplishments in school given her recent diagnosis of dyslexia. This is best treated through private educational therapy and family support. Cassy is motivated to be successful and to feel comfortable within a safe and well-balanced family. Cassy yearns for "normal."

An adoption team will be searching for adoptive parents who understand trauma and loss, especially because of Cassy's desire to stay connected to her 14 year-old sister, who is living in long term foster care. The girls share a companionable bond. Heather takes her cues from her little sister, whom she adores.

With the encouragement of parents who value education and encourage personal achievement, Cassy could excel in many areas. She will find her niche with family and friends who mirror back to her the loveable and talented young woman she is becoming.

Once she is comfortable, Cassy will tell you what she is thinking. When she gives this trust, it is a valuable gift. Cassy will do best in a family with other children as she is used to activity, noise and keeping busy. When Cassy describes what kind of mother she might be, it is a window into what she needs herself: "Someone who is fun, but kind of strict, too."

Portrait by Matt Green from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Cassy, 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: 30471.

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