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/.

Isaiah

Age: 13

"Hi, I'm Isaiah. I don't want to live where I am now--I want to live in a family. I would like parents who will play games with me, like UNO. I'm pretty good at board games. My favorite subject at school is P.E. and Computers. My least favorite is Art. My favorite foods are Mac and Cheese, hot dogs and corn dogs.

I like playing scatterball, kickball, volleyball, soccer and football. I like playing with hot wheels race cars and remote control vehicles, and I like to ride my bike."

According to Isaiah's caseworkers, he is "a pleaser" who wants so much to be liked! When he's with patient people who are willing to adapt to him, rather than the other way around, he is friendly and lovable. When he is frustrated, he needs calm, centered caregivers who do not keep behavior scores. Each day must be a fresh slate on which Isaiah can make some positive marks.

Challenged by attention and cognitive delays, Isaiah has to work extra hard to adjust to changes or distractions. Isaiah's permanency team is looking for guardians, permanent foster parents or an adoptive couple who have had previous successes working with behavioral special needs.

With a lot of positive feedback and increased levels of structure Isaiah could feel a greater sense of being in sync with his world. His enthusiasm for sports and competition would be a shoe-in for someone who has coached or counseled children who have difficulty ordering or managing their environment.

Isaiah does not usually pick up on nonverbal cues. Clear explanations and patience work wonders with this likeable boy. Multiple moves in foster care have added to his frustration that things are not working for him. If you are someone who will focus on areas of strength and help him know there are many things he's good at, Isaiah will reward you with his famous smile--maybe even a hug.

Isaiah's adoption team is looking for a two-parent family that's physically active. Other same-age or older boys would be okay. In addition, his family will need to either be familiar with attachment issues or willing to learn uncommon strategies. Medication management and access to counseling as well as educational and community supports will ensure that he maximizes opportunities for success. His caregivers should be staunch advocates for him in the school system or they might choose to home school, in order to make learning a positive experience.

Although Isaiah loves animals, pet ownership is not something he's ready for at present. He will need all your focus as you show him how to be safe around strangers, help him be a good friend, and assure him on sunny as well as cloudy days of your love.

Portrait by Jennifer Holmes Photography

To find out more about Isaiah, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine (Please include your zip code and city.) or call 1-800-926-2588. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30330.

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