Window on the Clearwater
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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/.

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Tyler

Age: 13

"My name is Tyler. I like to play videos and Game Boy. Someday I would like to be a professional dirt biker. I would like a family that has dirt bikes! I had a dog at my foster home. She was a labrador retriever. She was the runt of the litter, and short and white. I hope my family likes dogs and will let me have one. I also like horses. I learned to ride on a horse named Cadillac. She was 16 hands high. She was the biggest horse I'd ever seen! I know a lot about riding.

I want to stay in touch with the foster parents I called "Mom" and "Dad." They are important to me. I've moved around a lot, so I want to stay and not move anymore. I'm a Christian. I would like a family that goes to church."

Tyler is described as bright, energetic and someone who enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities. He excels in most academic areas when he's in the right classroom setting. Tyler is making progress in self-management, especially when mentors coach, prompt and praise positive choices.

According to Tyler's counselor, he loves Hot Wheels, LEGO Connect, and action figures. Power Rangers, Batman and Spiderman are fantasy figures that fill Tyler's imagination with their brave feats. He's waiting for some real-life heroes—a single parent or couple who use empathy, firm boundaries, established routines and lots of activities to shore up self-esteem. Because Tyler struggles with some Asberger Syndrome traits, he needs a family that understands how to help him focus attention and optimize his intelligence at school and in social situations. His adoption team will be looking for a mature single parent or couple who is less concerned with having their own needs met than they are about meeting Tyler's. When those conditions are met, this boy will surprise you with his request for a hug. He is capable of bonding when he feels safe and accepted.

Tyler has bonded to a couple of long-term foster families who were not able to be his permanent family. It's understandable that he may have a hard time believing at this point in lifetime commitments. With parents who understand coping behaviors related to trauma, loss and mild autism, Tyler could gradually learn to work through anxiety and frustration. With your help, he might even become his own super hero!

Are you a single parent or couple who understands trauma and how to build feelings of security through reliable routines? Tyler needs someone who will closely supervise and prompt him as he develops the emotional tools to survive in a complex world. He responds well to preparation when he's expected to change his focus from one activity to another. Two or three gentle prompts help him switch gears. His social worker feels he needs the attention he might enjoy as an only child or with older siblings who might take on a mentoring role.

You don't have to be a super hero to be a part of Tyler's life—just a steady promise-keeper who will access and work with therapeutic professionals. Tyler is waiting for someone to believe in—someone who will believe in him. Call the CareLine today if you think you could be Tyler's family.

To find out more about Tyler, 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: 30199.

Portrait by Digital Arts Photography

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Window on the Clearwater
P.O. Box 2444
Orofino, ID 83544
208-476-0733
Fax: 208-476-3407
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