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/.

Josephine

Age: 9

"Hi. I'm Josephine. People also call me Josie. The things I want people to know about me are: I love animals, especially horses--cats and dogs, too. I hope to live on a ranch someday and have my own miniature and regular-sized horses. I might like to learn how to help animals, maybe as a veterinarian, but probably just learning all the things I can do and calling a professional when they're really sick.

I like to play with the children in my home. I want people to know that I need to have visits and communication with my brothers and sisters.

I've talked with my foster mom and caseworker about adoption. I know that it means people take you into their family and make you their own. I don't care if I am the youngest or only child. I just want to be in a happy family with a mom and a dad who are nice and love to give hugs. I would like a dad that likes going to the park and to church with us. They both need to love animals, going camping and doing things together.

The things about my personality that have helped me through hard times in my life are being smart and being nice."

According to her foster mom, this energetic girl is wise beyond her years. She is curious and will ask about things she doesn't understand. When her caregiver takes the time to answer the "why" of rules or routines, Josie responds with a very mature, "I see. I can work with that."

Josie enjoys reading, playing at recess and playing games with the other children in her foster home. She does well in school, exceeding expectations in writing, grammar, math, and science. She is above grade levels in vocabulary, music, and physical education. Josie participates in PSR services to work on her moods, coping skills, and problem solving skills and is making improvements in these areas. Foster mom reports that Josie is pleasant most of the time and rarely has behavioral issues in their home. She said, "Of all the younger children I have cared for, Josie is the most pleasant, loving, caring, happy, helpful, and most adaptable child I have ever had."

That is not to say Josie doesn't have challenges related to grief and loss. Potential parents who feel drawn to Josie should be realistic about the parenting skills and experience they will need to maintain commitment. Folks who are willing to access professional and community services would also be adept in sensing when Josie needs understanding and daily messages that she belongs. Josie has come a long way behaviorally with a foster mom that knows the meaning of unconditional love and positive regard. An understanding of post-traumatic stress and the emotions and behavior of children who have experienced childhood trauma would the overriding trait her adoption team will be looking for.

Josie and her 12 year-old brother, Tyeral (Ty) would like to live together in one family that can provide for each child's needs. The secondary adoption plan is to find two families living in reasonable proximity who are committed to frequent contact between these sibs.

Josie would do very well in a Southern Idaho family with older sisters and or brothers who could be role models for her. She wants to stay in the area where she can visit often with Ty, as well as other siblings and current foster family.

Josie is a girl who bonds easily with a positive mother figure, loves to help mom around the house, and loves to look pretty in "pink, purple, sparkle and bright shoes." If you can imagine yourself in that role with Josie and have a current home study that reflects these family traits, please call the Idaho Careine today at 2-1-1.

Portrait by Matt Green Photography

To find out more about Josephine, 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: 30517.

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