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/.

Nathan

Age: 10

"Hi, I'm Nathan. I'm a little shy, but if you talk to me nicely and try to be my friend, I will be your friend, too. I would describe myself as funny and friendly. I like to play with LEGOS and take things apart and put them back together. My foster dad might say that I take things apart that aren't supposed to come apart. But sometimes I can even put those back together! I also like to spend time outdoors. I live in a mountain area with a lot of snow, and I love to ride snowmobiles, camping and fishing. I also like sports, especially baseball, and I play on a little league team in the summers. I also like to play basketball and flag football. I like to hang out with my friends and to shop at thrift stores. I'm great at finding all kinds f treasures under $.25! One of my favorite things to do is play video games."

"I would like to be adopted by a single dad, but right now I live in a foster family with a mom and dad, and I like it. Sometimes though I don't like to follow the rules that my foster mom gives me. I want a family that lives in the country and does a lot of things together and takes really good care of me. I think I would like to be the only child."

Nathan is a handsome boy with a mischievous smile and dimpled cheeks. Although Nathan is a shy child who is sometimes slow to warm up to others, he likes to be the center of the family's attention; the receiver of quality individual time. Nathan very much wants to be part of the group and wants to please, but does not always know how. He has a good sense of humor and likes to play tricks on others. Nathan is quick to forgive, loves animals and is very kind to children younger than him. He would love to have a dog of his own.

Nathan stated that he doesn't enjoy school. He struggles to focus and is academically behind. He benefits from having the support of resource room for much of the school day and from behavioral supports. Having a one-on-one aide in the classroom has helped him make significant progress in curbing his impulsiveness. For the foreseeable future, Nathan will likely need the support of a behavioral classroom to help him stay on track and make positive choices.

Legally free, Nathan came into foster care in November 2005. With the loving support of his foster parents, with whom he has lived for more than two years, and mental health counseling and mediation therapy, Nathan has made many positive gains. His therapist is working with him to lessen the residual behavioral and emotional effects of the trauma he experienced in the past, as well as his difficulty trusting, and his attention difficulties and high energy.

Nathan needs a family that can provide him with constant structure, supervision and routine. He does best when he is given clear choices and praise for a job well done. He needs caretaker(s) who are skilled and experienced in dealing with children with PTSD and Attachment issues. They must have a successful history of parenting these children. Nathan needs caregiver(s) who can advocate for his educational and therapeutic needs and who are comfortable with medications. Nathan will do well being the only child or the youngest child in the home. He will require a family who will honor his relationship to his two siblings through some level of openness. Nathan is a dimensional child who will offer parenting challenges and rewards. While Nathan has challenging behavior, he can do very well when he receives a lot of structure, love and support.

Portraits by Pomerelle Portrait Design Studios

Nathan is available for adoption through the State of Oregon. For contact information, or for information on adoption or foster care, please contact the Idaho CareLine at 1-800-926-2588.

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