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/.

Dane

Age: 12

When Dane smiles for the camera, his eyes crinkle into two half-moons and dimples play around his cheeks. Behind that smile is a boy with a big heart and lots of love to give. Because fairness is important to Dane, he needs adoptive folks who can help him make sense of a world that is not always fair.

"Hi. My name is Dane. One thing you should know about me is that I like to run and I am fast! I won three medals at Special Olympics. I got one second-place and two third-places. I competed in the long jump and track. I'm pretty strong because I do push-ups and sit-ups and chin-ups. And I lift weights. Feel the muscles in my arms?

I know a lot about snakes. I like to hold the non-venomous kind and I might like to have one someday for a pet. My favorite subject at school is science.

My favorite food is pasta. I love to go to Italian restaurants.

The people who have given me a lot of support and understanding are my caseworkers and the staff at the group home where I live. I hope I can stay in contact with them. They understand the things I like to do and they help me with the things I'm afraid of, like heights. I might like to visit California some day; maybe Santa Monica or Long Beach, but I wouldn't want to fly there!

I would like a nice family that lives in Idaho Falls. We could go camping and fishing and hunting. Maybe we could race dirt bikes or go quad racing. I would love to do that! We could also play together on a Play Station."

Dane is a well-liked boy who likes to tell jokes, loves school and enjoys spending time with people. Dane's social work team hopes to place him with a family that is ready to receive the affection he so freely gives. His generosity and concern for others are gifts he offers to a couple or an individual; a parent who can devote time, parenting skills and understanding to this active boy. He has experienced relationship losses and grief far beyond his ability to comprehend. As he receives unconditional love and lots of positive attention from his adoptive family, he will find a safe place to store his trust.

Dane loves making paper airplanes. His aviation interest also extends to Star Wars light sabers and air battles, but his severe fear of heights keeps him firmly on the ground. He is ready for a family that will appreciate and nurture his adventurous out-doorsy side. As his adoptive family builds his capacity to trust, Dane will gradually conquer the anxieties that are a part of his trauma history.

Dane has many services and supports in his current Southeast Idaho community. It would be wonderful if he could stay in his present school district. If that is not possible, he will need skilled parents who will help him transition slowly and can patiently help him deal with change. The ideal situation for Dane would be people with therapeutic fostering, special education or counseling experience. An understanding of how to provide a healing environment would be highly prized as an adoption team considers a lasting family for this unique young man.

Portrait by Expressions by Aimee Photography

To find out more about Dane, 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: 30493.

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