c7157-59

Child's name: Alex, Shanna and Jacob
Number: C7157-59
Birthdate: 1/99, 4/00 and 8/03
State: Idaho
Listed: October 2008

Portrait by Jon Ball Children's Studio

Idaho Wednesday's Child/SNAPS profile for Alex, Shanna and Jacob

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

ALEX (01/99), SHANNA (04/00), and JACOB (08/03) need to have an experienced couple with above-average skills related to children's medical and emotional challenges. These outgoing and engaging children deserve dedicated parents who will focus on developmental and learning tasks as well as the pure fun that seems to follow Alex, Shanna and Jacob like warm sunshine. These kids would love to find a family who can successfully parent them all together. However the children, as well as their adoption team, understand that they may need to be placed separately. The range of special needs for each child is wide, and it will take just the right family to meet the needs of all the children. Each child wants to tell you a bit about himself/herself.

"My name is Alex. I'm in the fourth grade. I like school and I'm a good reader. I'm learning Idaho history which is really cool. I love my brother and sister and hope we can find a family together, but if we can't its OK to get adopted separately if we can still have visits." I like to play my Nintendo DS and tetherball. I hope my family will let me do any thing I want that is safe. I need a family that is calm and patient." Shanna said that Alex is a good big brother because he shares things with her. He cares very much for his siblings, but feels that they may not be able to be adopted together.

His foster mom says consistent drilling and repetition in spelling and math facts is helping with learning challenges. Quality homework time continues to build the self-confidence he feels in certain subjects.

Alex needs parents who can identify ways in which he learns best, and advocate for him in school. Knowing how to recognize strengths will help Alex build confidence and ability. He needs a family who is energetic enough to keep up with him. Alex and his siblings would do best in a family with no other children or supportive young adults. Alex will need continued support to help him cope with severe trauma and neglect in his young life. He also needs parents who can delay their own need for attachment and focus on small gains Alex has learned to achieve in his current foster placement.

"My name is Shanna. I'm in the third grade and I like school, especially Math. But I don't like to read. I like to play tetherball and play on the monkey bars. I like to ride my bike and play with my brothers. I like to color and draw. I would like to have a mom who talks in a quiet voice. I do NOT like raised voices. I really like animals and I love go to the zoo. I have a pet dog and lizard. I also like to go to Chuck E. Cheese."

Shanna is an affectionate girl who likes to give hugs and cuddle on the couch. She plays very well with her brothers and is described by her brother Alex as "nice and very polite, and really funny."

Shanna has been described as petite and feminine. Shanna's foster mom describes her as a "girly-girl" who likes dressing up, playing with "princess stuff" and having her hair done. She states Shanna does have social challenges with other kids, and being in control is one of her ways of coping with stress or anxiety.

Shanna will do best in a family that will work with cognitive delays and notice her abilities as well as her coping behaviors. Her foster mom has been working with her on making good choices and Shanna has come a long way. Having a family that will supervise safe boundaries and understand Shanna's vulnerability will be critical. Early childhood trauma and neglect have been difficult for Shanna to overcome. Work with a therapist has helped, but progress for Shanna has been slow. She will need a family committed to providing her with a safe, structured, very calm, and patient environment.

Shanna has built a lot walls that keep her from forming strong attachments, and this defense mechanism will not be easily undone. She also has medical conditions, possible cognitive delays, and other needs that will require a high level of services and support.

"I'm Jacob. I like going to kindergarten. I love my brother and sister and my foster brothers. I love monster trucks, and candy. Candy is my favorite thing!"

Jacob is a described by his worker as a "pleasant little chatterbox!" who loves to play with his brother and sister, but also plays very well by himself. He likes just about anything, especially dinner!

His foster mom describes him as "an angel." She also states he's so quiet and calm that you sometimes forget he's there! She says he has a great sense of humor, and shies away from rough or noisy play. Jacob needs parents who are patient and can allow time for therapies. He is currently receiving occupational, physical, and speech therapy, as well as working on social issues in school.

Jacob's smile can brighten any room, but there is a lot of sadness in this young boy as well. And like his older brother and sister, he struggles with early childhood trauma, some of which has resulted in medical conditions and cognitive delays. Jacob will need a family who can continue the services he already receives and be ready for an uncertain future of support and services he may need.

Alex, Shanna and Jacob's adoption team would love to match these children's high energy and needs to a mature couple with parenting experience or parents who have understanding and skills within a foster or adoptive family. They will also be looking for parents who know how to access a variety of community resources related to diverse special needs. Their adoptive family must also have an understanding of issues that arise from neglect, abuse, post traumatic stress disorder, developmental delays as well as prenatal exposure to drugs. They should be a committed family who is willing to see things through, even when the challenges and obstacles seem daunting. The children need some stability in their lives, after several recent placement changes. They are not currently living in the same home, but have very strong bonds to each other. If the children are placed in separate adoptive homes, they will benefit greatly from maintaining their relationships with each other.

Amidst challenges will also be unique joys. The family who adopts these playful children will be delighted by their personalities and love of fun. If you have a proven ability to maximize early learning, you may be selected as a lifetime resource for these exceptional children.

Subsidy and Purchase of Service may be available.

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