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/.

AJ

Age: 13

"I'm AJ and I like to play video games. My favorite Playstation 2 games are Rachet and Clank. I like Star Wars, Legos, Bionicals, Hot Wheels cars, and watching cartoons on TV. I also love to read, especially fantasy books. I would like a family that is patient, understanding and who will spend time talking to me. I want my family to take me places and play board and card games with me."

Alexander James, known as "AJ," is an inquisitive young man with a quiet personality. He loves to talk to adults and quickly reveals whatever is on his mind. AJ is an endless source of questions. He loves to share his imagination as he strives to understand the world around him. AJ sees the world as black and white and he can become quickly frustrated when things do not go his way. When given choices of what he can personally do to change the situation, he usually comes around to a solution. AJ has tremendous resiliency in view of the traumas he has experienced. He loves cracking jokes and teasing others, though he doesn't appreciate being teased by other children. He thrives on being the center of attention, and is happiest when his conversations reflect his own interests.

Described by caregivers as "talkative, curious and imaginative," he can be affectionate with trusted adults if given time. He has learned good coping skills but often fails to implement them in real life situations. He is working on picking up on social cues from others, learning reciprocity and building positive relationships with peers. AJ is at his best in a structured environment where there are consistent routines, established rules, clear boundaries and plenty of rewards.

AJ would do best in a traditional home with two parents who have the ability, skills and time to focus on his challenges as well as his strengths. Above all, he needs role models who demonstrate healthy male/female relationships in a family setting. The adoption team is looking for a family where he will be the only child or the youngest child with older siblings. Parents who have experience parenting pre-teens would be a benefit to AJ. A team effort will be critical to AJ's continued progress. He needs a family who can help him learn appropriate social and self-care skills as he navigates his way through adolescence and beyond. Adoptive parents will need to understand and be willing to work with multiple individual treatment providers and special education professionals to help AJ continue to be successful.

If you are a family with an understanding of developmental challenges, difficulty with trust and attachment disorders, and the effects of early childhood traumas, you could make such a difference in this child's life! AJ's ability to return love will take time and effort, but it will be a reward that will come unexpectedly, like a hidden treasure, to the dedicated family that devotes their efforts to this lovable boy.

Portraits by Barb 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: 30266.You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30381.

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