c7446

Child's name: Erwin
Number: C7446
Birthdate: 3/00
State: Washington
Listed: June 2009

Photographs by Yuen Lui

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

ERWIN (3/00) is a slender boy with expressive brown eyes and dark brown/black hair. He loves playing video games, watching cartoons, especially those featuring Batman and Scooby Doo, and reading comics. Erwin says he loves to read, and he has increased his reading skills to almost a second grade level. Erwin also likes to ride his bike and play sports, although his short attention span is sometimes an issue. Through continuing connections with relatives and others at the Assiniboine-Sioux Fort Peck Reservation, Erwin has remained involved in his Native American culture. In 2007 at a traditional wedding ceremony, he participated in a grass dance. Erwin is also proud of his Hispanic heritage.

Erwin, who had a positive drug screen at birth, came into foster care in January 2006. He is legally free. Multiple moves over the years have exacerbated his symptoms of past trauma, as well as his short attention span and sleep disturbances. Following the disruption of a his last place, which was with a relative, Erwin was placed in a group care to give him the stability and consistency he needed in his life.

Erwin has made excellent progress and continues to respond well to the structure, consistent child care, and therapeutic services he is receiving. These days, Erwin is sleeping much better, his impulsiveness has decreased considerably, his ability to pay attention has increased very nicely, and he is following instructions much better. The counselors and child care staff feel he is ready for a permanent family, especially a family who will see that therapeutic supports are on hand on an as-needed basis as part of his routine support system.

Adults involved with Erwin describe him as a “happy and loving child.” One of his teachers is impressed by his “big heart.” Erwin is making good academic progress in school. He will be in the fourth grade for the 2009-2010 school year. While he may continue to benefit from having extra help for Reading, Speech, and Written Language, he increased his Math skills this year to grade level. His eligibility for an individual education plan is attached to his attention difficulties, which are being satisfactorily managed with various therapeutic supports.

Sometimes Erwin tends to be bossy and aggressive in interactions with other kids, which tends to be off putting to peers. That behavior that may be due, in part, to his longing to experience control in his life.

Experienced single parents and couples are encouraged to call. While the preferred family would have Native American heritage or ties to the Native American community, his Tribe may be willing to consider non-Native families, as they have with his older sister. It will be important, though, for him to have contact with siblings and relatives. Socially adept older children in his adoptive home could be great as role models for healthy family and social behavior. Folk(s) with a good understanding of the effects of multiple separations from primary attachment figures is critical.

Of special importance with be the adoptive parent(s) ability to give significant amounts of one-on-one time and affection to Erwin, while allowing him the emotional space to come to trust that they will truly be there for him. Erwin’s tribe is supportive of his adoption and will participate in the placement decision.

Subsidy and Purchase of Service may be available.

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