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/.

Amber

Ages: 17

"Hi, my name is Amber. I like to read, play video games and listen to music. My favorite thing at Wednesday's Child was having my portrait done. I want to be a model someday, maybe modeling hair. I like the color of my hair 'cause it's kind of different--hard to get.

Another thing I want to do is graduate. I have some catching up to do--another year of high school. I might like to be home schooled in an adoptive family. That would be cool. I've been in six families in foster care. I get along great with little kids, but I just like to be by myself most of the time. In a family, I prefer to be an only child, but I would also like having older brothers and sisters who could help me and do fun things with me. One parent or two; it doesn't matter to me. I just want someone who will give me a lot of love. That's really important. The things that don't work are ignoring me and picking favorites. When I'm having a really hard day, if you just give me time to cool down, give me some space, don't get in my face and try to figure it out now, I'll come around. Try not to control me too much. If I'm listening to music that's helping me calm down, don't try to stop me. If it's too loud, ask me kindly to turn it down and I will.

The kind of friend I like is someone who is forgiving and understanding if I'm being moody. Like if I get mad at them, they don't ignore me or walk away. Someone who's there for me when I need someone to talk to me. I'm that kind of friend, too.

In a mom, I look forward to someone who I can cuddle up to when I'm sad. Someone who will teach me the things I need to know when I move out on my own. I like shopping and hanging out with a mom and doing girly things.

Someday I would love to travel to Europe, because I was born in Germany."

Amber is a sweet, soft-spoken teen who, despite many disappointments in the family area, yearns for a stable parent or two to help her towards independence. She needs another year to achieve educational goals. Tied to those goals is a need for someone special who understands how a history of neglect and multiple moves in foster care can impact a youth. Amber has experienced losses of relationships that were important to her. She needs adults who can help her work through grief and anger. An empathetic parent could choose the right moments to discuss feelings and healthy ways of working through overwhelming emotions.

Amber wants a mom and possibly a dad and older siblings who do fun things together. She loves animals and would like to have a dog or a cat of her own. Some of the things she enjoys with a mom or sisters are shopping for clothes and having fun together. They could show her how family members support and love each others through good times and bad. Understanding is important to Amber; showing that you won't turn away from her just because you don't agree with her or particular tastes in music, clothing or interests. Amber is easy to love and very approachable when she knows she is respected. As you get to know this beautiful young woman you, will find someone who loves long conversations and positive attention almost as much as spending time by herself!

Portraits by Matt Green from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Amber, 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: 30368.

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