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Leandra

Leandra is an extremely engaging child who is very capable and does well in school. Her favorite classes in school are math, science, sewing and construction classes. Her life experiences have shaped her into a very independent girl who does well on her own. Other children and adults enjoy her company and find her to be a funny, charming and personable girl who likes to have fun. Leandra is very involved in her step team at school and has even contributed to the choreography. She likes to bake, read and ride her bike as well as participating in various social and play opportunities at her local Boys & Girls Club. This past summer she attended day camp at the Morgan Family YMCA branch, where she participated in several cup stacking competitions.

Leandra would do best in a home with an experienced single mom or two moms. Being an only child would be ideal. She will benefit the most from adoptive parents who can provide a stable environment with consistency, clear rules and expectations, and natural consequences.

To learn more about Leandra, watch her video clip.
 

Lorenzo

Lorenzo is a rough-and-tumble boy with a big heart and a generally happy demeanor. He is bright, charming, and friendly, and he thrives on attention from caring adults. An attractive youngster with a husky build, Lorenzo says he'd like to be a football player when he grows up. For now, his favorite pastimes are playing games on Wii, taking long walks, riding his bike (wearing a helmet!), and playing outdoors.

While Lorenzo's social worker is particularly interested in hearing from couples with one parent who can be available throughout the day, she also wants to hear from single moms and single dads who have strong support from family, friends, and community resources. Lorenzo needs to have structure, consistency, and clear rules, expectations and limits; he will also need nurturing, loving parents who will make a point of understanding him.

To learn more about Lorenzo, watch his video clip.
 

Mark

Fourteen-year-old Mark gets along well with others and would like to have a family of his own. Although he can be somewhat introverted and shy with new people, Mark has an engaging smile and opens up around his siblings and people he trusts. He enjoys playing board games and video games, shopping at yard sales or thrift stores, and participating in family outings. Mark would do well with patient adoptive parent(s) who use positive regard, praise and encouragement and have the time to provide him with one-on-one time, attention and love.
 

Matthew

Matthew is a terrific boy with some nice strengths. Affectionate, fun-loving and very energetic, he has a bubbly personality. He’s active, too, and would benefit from extracurricular activities and sports to absorb his energy. Matthew enjoys playing with other children, and social workers think he would do best as the youngest child in the home to get the attention he seeks from a parental figure.

Matthew enjoys school and will be in the fifth grade this fall. Outside of school he loves riding his bike, skateboarding and dancing. He does best in a setting that limits television. He enjoys listening to music, and it seems to be a calming influence on him.

The best environment for him will be structured and organized; he does better when he knows exactly what to expect. Matthew’s social worker wants to hear from nurturing couples and great single moms and dads who can commit to him and see that he has regular opportunities to participate in the African-American community. He also would like to stay connected to his older sibling.

To learn more about Matthew, watch his video clip.
 

Matthew

Matthew has some nice strengths for an adoptive family to encourage and enjoy. Matthew enjoys athletics and is an integral member of his school’s sports program. He is readily accepted by his teammates and peers and well thought of by the adults in his life. Basketball and football are his primary sports. He also participates in the sports medicine program (athletic training) at his school. In addition, Matthew assists coaches and enjoys supporting his team as a scorekeeper.

Matthew also has musical talents. His favorite instrument is the trumpet, and he has been acknowledged as the best trumpet player in his school band. In his spare time he enjoys hanging out with friends, playing videos and listening to music. His best subjects are math and music.

Matthew will need support to get through his feelings of grief, loss, anger and abandonment. He sometimes feels like his life has been turned upside down. He does well verbalizing his feelings and working through conflict. A loving, nurturing, warm family who loves sports and music would be ideal for Matthew.

To learn more about Matthew, watch his video clip.
 

Michael

Michael is a bright, articulate young boy who enjoys being active. He has many strengths and is open to trying new experiences. Playing in the yard and riding a bike are some of his favorite outside activities. Michael was introduced to writing poetry, glassmaking, and playing drums as part of his school curriculum, and he looks forward to continuing to develop these skills. Michael needs an active, organized family where he can be the youngest or only child with parents able to give him lots of time and attention.

To learn more about Michael, watch his video clip.
 

Miguel

Eight-year-old Miguel loves animals! He's all boy, with tons of energy. He loves water, whether it's swimming or bathing. He enjoys being outdoors in nature, getting dirty and playing with bugs and frogs. He loves camping and gardening too. His favorite indoor activities are coloring, Legos and dressing up in costumes.

Miguel thrives on individual attention and does best in an environment where his activities are structured and planned out. He is doing well in the second grade.

Miguel needs to trust that his new adoptive parents will truly be there for him. Being willing to participate with Miguel in counseling during his transition into his new home would be a great way for his adoptive parents to show their love and commitment. Miguel would do best as an only child or the youngest in the family (he is still working on sharing with others). Having family pets would be ideal for Miguel.

To learn more about Miguel, watch his video clip.
 

Najwa

Najwa is a delightful and friendly girl with some wonderful strengths. She is now in the seventh grade and is working very hard in all of her subjects. Najwa is open and honest, as well as generally outgoing and kind. She is very social and enjoys hanging out with her friends and watching movies. While Najwa has fun swimming and doing arts and crafts, she’s also open to trying new things, like trying out for her school’s soccer team. Although she gets along with her schoolmates and other children in her foster home, Najwa would do well as an only child with a single mom who understands how to help a child develop a sense of safety and well-being.

Bright and articulate, Najwa has an inquisitive nature and is highly observant. She embraces opportunities to explore her individual identity. Najwa identifies strongly with her African-American heritage. Her adoptive mom needs to have pride in her heritage too, and provide opportunities for Najwa to participate in the African-American community.

To learn more about Najwa, watch her video clip.
 

Patrick

Patrick is a quiet, kind and thoughtful young teen. He loves family pets, especially his hamster, New New. He also enjoys drawing, writing, swimming and listening to country music. Patrick likes being helpful and responds well to positive, nurturing adults. Because of his developmental delays, he needs parents who will advocate for his educational, vocational and counseling needs and be a long-term resource for him. An older sibling who could be a friend and role model for Patrick would also be helpful.

A major concern for teens in foster care is that at age 18 they can find themselves alone in the world. If they’re out of school and don’t have a job or a family to help them out, they run the risk of becoming homeless. On the other hand, with the unconditional commitment of an adoptive family, a teen’s hopes for a positive future are exponentially improved. If you or someone you know could be Patrick’s forever family, please contact WACAP for more information.

To learn more about Patrick, watch his video clip.
 

Randy

Randy is an inquisitive young preteen who likes to please significant adults in his life. He’s eager to help with chores around the house and is proud that he can prepare oatmeal and other food on his own. Randy played soccer in the Special Olympics and likes riding his bike. He also enjoys animals, music and watching cartoons. With developmental delays and symptoms of autism, Randy needs an experienced family able to provide love, supervision and structure. He could be an only child or the youngest in a family willing to be a resource for him throughout his life.
 

Rosie

Rosie is an intelligent, expressive teen with many interests. She has enjoyed singing since she was very young, and now likes writing her own songs as well as poetry and stories. Rosie is teaching herself to play the guitar. Her favorite sports are basketball, volleyball and swimming. She hopes her future will include college and maybe a career as a teacher or marine biologist. Rosie could do well as an only child or with siblings. She has relatives who care about her but can’t adopt her, and she wants her adoptive family to help her maintain those connections.

To learn more about Rosie, watch her video clip.
 

Scotty

Scotty is a delightful, rambunctious little guy who’s full of energy! He loves being in the midst of things and is an enthusiastic participant in family activities and outings. He thrives in the care of nurturing adults who interact with him with positive regard, using encouragement, positive reinforcements, and rewards. Scotty especially loves outdoor activities, such as playing in a nearby park and swimming. Loving and helpful, Scotty is very much a people person.

Since we’ve last seen him, Scotty has been participating in sports and having a great time. He loves playing soccer, flag football, and basketball, which is his all-time favorite! Scotty also has an affinity for animals and nature. He was recently given a pet fish, which he excitedly shows anyone who visits. When the marketing manager at Point Defiance Zoo heard about Scotty and his love for animals, she offered him a private tour.

Scotty’s social worker wants to hear from active, energetic families who will lovingly provide the structure Scotty needs in his everyday life to help him do well and feel secure. Scotty could be an only child, or he could have other kids in his adoptive home.

To learn more about Scotty, watch his video clip.
 

Sean

Sean is a friendly 8-year-old boy of African-American heritage with a great smile. Sean received limited prenatal care and was born with initial heart and lung problems. Cognitively and behaviorally, he functions at the age of about 2 or 3. His speech is difficult to understand, although he is receiving speech therapy. Sean is in third grade.

Sean can be very sweet and engaging. He is eager to please and is able to entertain himself for periods of time. He enjoys playing with building blocks, Hot Wheels and Play-Doh. He also enjoys playing outside. Sean loves horses and stuffed animals. His favorite movie is The Lion King, and he’s fascinated with Africa and all things related to African people and culture. Sean also likes pizza and ice cream.

Sean would benefit from an adoptive family where he is the youngest child, ideally one with experience in parenting children with special needs. His family will need to have strong advocacy skills and be comfortable working within multiple systems, such as special education, medical and mental health services. They also should have a consistent and stable home environment with minimal transitions.

To learn more about Sean, watch his video clip.
 

Sebastian

Sebastian is a happy 11-year-old with an adventurous spirit. He describes himself as a daredevil. Sebastian enjoys swimming, playing video games and participating in Boy Scouts—which “rocks,” according to him. He is making better choices at home and responds well to attention from adults.

Sebastian has grown a lot in the last year and is able to talk about further progress he needs to make. He has friends and is doing well in school. He likes to swim and is an active kiddo. He is looking for an active family who wants to spend time with him playing video games and sports. He would like to have siblings and pets in the home.

Sebastian has a brother in another foster home. They visit regularly and would like to keep in touch. Sebastian can be very energetic, and would do well in a two-parent home that can offer him safety and constant stability.

 

Shauwen

Shauwen is a very smart child who loves to read and learn new things. He has a terrific memory for facts and enjoys nonfiction books such as the Guinness Book of World Records. He has an excellent vocabulary that is very advanced for his young age. Shauwen already has plans to finish high school and go into the Army. He would like to take advantage of many of the college opportunities that the military has to offer while he serves his country. He is genuinely curious and loves to hear about new places, languages and cultures. He has also been teaching himself both Spanish and Japanese through CDs, TV and books.

Like most boys, Shauwen enjoys the outdoors, riding bikes, climbing trees and playing in neighborhood parks. However, he admits he could spend the entire day watching James Bond. He enjoys cats and would like to have siblings to grow up with. Ribs and pizza are his favorite foods. He would like a family with a military interest, who will teach him new things. A family who attends church would also be a plus, as he finds church relaxing. Sharing in preadoptive counseling would be a great way for Shauwen’s new family to show their commitment to him.

To learn more about Shauwen, watch his video clip.
 

Travelle

Travelle is a sweet, helpful, kind and imaginative boy who enjoys all sorts of activities, from video games to playing with his Wonder Woman action figure. He is incredibly limber and likes to show how he can stretch, bend and twist in ways worthy of a contortionist. He is a huge fan of tigers and other big cats, even imagining himself as a lion cub under the loving care of a mama lioness. Travelle loves the attention of caring adults who take time out for him. He enjoys gentle nurturing and is a big cuddler.

The best family for Travelle would be able to give him lots of parental time and attention. It is very meaningful to him to hear that he is loved and valued for who he is. Stability, consistency and an active family lifestyle will all factor into helping Travelle settle into his adoptive family smoothly. A family that can openly show love and commitment toward Travelle would also help him in the transition.

To learn more about Travelle, watch his video clip.

Tre'Vell

Tre’Vell is an attractive young teen who is very engaged in school. Described as a willing learner by his teachers, Tre’Vell enjoys math and language arts the most. He loves to play basketball, football and soccer, and enjoys most outdoor activities. He loves to stay active and would enjoy a family who likes the outdoors as well.

Tre’Vell is most responsive to parents who are nurturing yet firm and consistent, and who provide the clear rules, expectations, limits and consequences that help him succeed. He feels safer and more secure when he knows that authority figures are on top of things and clearly in charge. Tre’Vell is genuinely excited about the effort under way to find an adoptive couple, single mom or single dad for him. In his own words, he’s told us that he really wants to be adopted! Tre’Vell will be counting on his adoptive parent(s) to help him maintain contact with his grandparents and his three younger siblings as he grows up.

At the end of the 2013 school year, Tre'Vell will have surgery to install cochlear implants. Although this will improve his hearing in the long run, he will have complete hearing loss for five or six weeks immediately after the surgery. He is learning some sign language, and would benefit from a family that is willing to learn as well.

If you’re a couple or single parent with a good support system of family and friends, and you live in a community that has strong educational and social resources for young teens, please contact WACAP to learn more about Tre’Vell.