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: 11

"Hi, I'm AJ. I think my favorite thing to do is draw and color. I also like riding my scooter. I would like to be the only child in a family because I like the attention. I want to go swimming, camping, fishing, hiking and hunting with my new family. I love Scouts, so I hope my dad can do that with me. But most important, I want to be in a family where I know all my needs will be met. I worry about that sometimes. I think the most important things in a family is trust, friendship and love. I hope I can stay in touch with may half-sister, though.

I like to play with Magnetix after school. I also ride my bike. Someday, I might like to ride snow mobiles or dirt bikes. When I'm an adult, I think I want to go to college, or maybe be a Police Officer.

I'm pretty good at sharing. My favorite subject at school is Math. Reading-not so much. I like to listen to Country music. I like dogs best. In fact, I hope to have small dog of my own that can live in the house. My favorite food is macaroni and cheese. I like to go to Scouts at the LDS church."

AJ is accustomed to the Latter-Day Saint church. He would be happy to participate in this religion with his family or have their support in attending on his own. AJ also hopes to have some mediated contact with a half-sister. These are two ways an adoptive family could help him maintain current connections in his life.

AJ's caseworker is looking for an emotionally mature adoptive couple with above-average knowledge and experience with youth who have a background of significant abuse and neglect. He needs parents who can provide a controlled, structured environment and lots of patience. A family that has minimal emotional conflict and stress could help AJ deal with his responses to change, problem solving and frustration. His parents can help him trade coping skills that once helped him survive for more appropriate ones that will help him adjust to family life. One possible way his family could help him trust is to show him relationships endure. It is possible that he could have some form of contact with his half-sister. This could be arranged through his caseworker.

AJ is currently living in residential treatment. His staff counselors could help with a careful transition into a permanent home. His family will need to know about his anger triggers and how to help him manage frustration and anxiety in appropriate ways. AJ will also need access to medical services as he is affected by asthma and seizures.

Currently on an Individual Educational Plan that addresses ADHD and learning difficulties, AJ could benefit from educational allies who will help him work through math and reading challenges with humor and fun. This is a young man who needs lots of encouragement and building through areas of strength, rather than emphasizing weaknesses. For parents who can respond to angry outbursts with calm determination and patience, AJ could learn day by day that he is capable in many areas. As he overcomes past discouragements and is assured of stability within a family, his life could be very different than the one he knows. Could you be the one to change AJ's life with your love and commitment?

Portrait by Matt from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about AJ, 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: 30415.You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30388.

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