Portrait by Aaron Frizzell Photography

If you have completed an adoption homestudy and would like to have your information forwarded to this child's worker, contact us.

Meet TOM (3/95), who is legally free for adoption and would like to tell you a bit about himself.

"Hi. I like to be called Tom. What I really need in a family is someone who would take care of me and really likes me. I want a mom or a dad who won't give up on me when I'm having a bad day. I've had a lot of changes in my life, and I need someone who will stay.

I hope my adoptive family loves big dogs and animals like I do. I really want a dog of my own. Someday I want to be a veterinarian.

I like playing Sorry, Uno and other games. I like playing with my friends."

Described as kindhearted, forgiving and very talkative, Tom gets along well with most adults. He's a charming child who seeks approval; an endearing trait that tends to mask challenges related to attachment issues. If his adoptive family is to help him succeed, they must be realistic about the focused psychological support he may need into adulthood. SSI payments will help with extra community resources and the activities that build Tom's self-esteem. Most of all, he will respond to daily "belonging" reassurances and acceptance of who he is now rather than to folks who expect love to conquer all. If you are secure in your own world, Tom's endearing ways will be reward indeed for the extra commitment that's required.

Tom is learning how to build social skills and personal boundaries that help with the complexities of friendships. He tells us he would enjoy having older brothers or sisters as mentors as he learns those skills. He would also do well as an only child with lots of attention. Single and non-traditional moms and dads with exceptional parenting talent will be considered by Tom's adoption caseworker, as will a traditional mom-and-dad team. Pets would be a plus for this tender-hearted boy who wants to be a veterinarian some day.

Tom has reported Native American (Cherokee) heritage through paternal grandparents. His adoptive family could help him honor both sides of his heritage as he is forming his identity. Except during periods requiring medication adjustment, Tom has lived in a foster home since late 2006 and before that in a group setting. He is in a therapeutic level foster home currently and is adapting reasonably well. Tom has experienced disappointments when it comes to finding an enduring family--a concept he is finding it tough to believe in. His adoption team will be looking for a family with above-average skills and a firm grasp of attachment issues. He needs a single individual or couple with a predictable daily routine and lots of creativity in modeling social skills. Tom needs someone who will connect with him in practical, accepting ways as he moves through puberty. Watching this young man complete the developmental tasks that lie before every teen will be very rewarding for the right adoptive parent(s).


Subsidy and Purchase of Service may be available.

Return to Idaho's Waiting Children index or see next child in Idaho index.

View another state index: Alaska, Oregon, Washington.
 

Copyright © 2008 Northwest Resource Associates. All rights reserved.