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/.

Casey

Age: 15

"Hi. My name is Casey. When I think of a good family for me, I think I need a mom and a dad who can give me lots of attention, hugs, and respect. I would also love a family with horses, dogs, dirt bikes or 4-wheelers, and a family who will let me do normal teenage things like get my driver's license, have a cell phone, and hang out with my friends. I mostly want a family who will listen to me, respect me, and teach me good things without having too many rules!"

Casey's caseworker describes him as an artistic young man who loves one-on-one attention and lots of hugs. He is content when he is busy, especially with outdoor interests. Casey loves cars, is a big NASCAR fan, and says he is a 'Chevy guy'. He enjoys riding dirt bikes 4-wheelers and skateboards. He likes to swim, and would love to live near the ocean. Casey has a good fashion sense and loves clothes and shoes, and has good grooming habits.

As Casey continues to develop in his teen years, he needs strong individuals in his life that understand the effects of abuse and neglect. He needs the one-on-one focus of parents who can delay their own need for love and gratitude from this unique young man.

Casey can be polite and considerate, and is easy to talk to and gets along well with most adults. He has made recent progress in his therapeutic setting, and is ready to join a forever family. He can still be explosive and defiant when he feels threatened, unheard, or in chaotic situations. However, Casey also has some strong coping skills, and a good sense of what triggers his anger, and how to avoid and manage it. Counseling has helped Casey deal with issues of abandonment, early childhood trauma, and loss, and continued counseling and other support services will be an important part of Casey's successful transition into a new family.

Casey's adoption team will be looking for a parent(s) who are able to access the professional resources needed for his continued growth. He would benefit from educational and behavioral supports in the classroom, home, and community settings. Casey's future adoptive parents will need to come equipped with lots of parenting savvy.

Casey needs a stable couple or single parent who could assist in teaching him more appropriate social and behavioral skills. A family where Casey can be the only child or with older children who can provide positive role models would be the best match for this dynamic young man.

Portrait by Barb from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Casey, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30213.

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