c7482-83

Child's name: John and Dakota
Number: C7482-83
Birthdate: 9/95 and 1/98
State: Washington
Listed: July 2009

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

JOHN (9/95) DAKOTA (1/98) are wonderful boys who long to be adopted. So intent are they in getting a family of their own that they are trying to recruit one themselves, asking teachers, various adults at church, and parents of friends to adopt them. While John and Dakota would especially like to have outdoorsy parent(s) who would appreciate and encourage their love of sports (both boys have natural athletic abilities!), most of all they want permanency in a stable and nurturing home.

John is a quiet, shy young teen who loves one-on-one time with adults. He loves playing basketball and watches basketball on TV every chance he gets. He’s a big help to his foster mom, looking out for the other kids in the home, especially the baby.

Dakota is a loving, affectionate boy whose favorite sports are basketball and track. He’s always on the go whether it’s playing hard outdoors, skating down the sidewalk, hanging out with friends, or having sleepovers.

John and Dakota have strong connections to their foster mom and are very responsive to her praise and encouragement. They enjoy being involved with a local church and its youth group.

John and Dakota, who are not yet legally free, came into foster care in March 2007.

John has been through a great deal and does not easily talk with others, particularly about his personal problems. While he especially has difficulty sharing feelings and thoughts, he recently told his worker that he wants to see a counselor again. John has been able to adapt to the many changes and losses in his life and reaching out and asking for help in this way is a very positive sign that he wants help to move forward in his life. Dakota and his foster mom are participating in counseling together to help increase the communication between them. Dakota does best when there is someone else with him, so he doesn’t feel so alone. Dakota, who is very strong willed and highly competitive, is determined to be the best in anything he does. While that determination can be very positive in setting goals for himself, it can interfere in his relationships with friends, his brother and other children in his foster home.

Being willing to participate with the boys in family counseling during their transition into their new home would be a wonderful way for their adoptive parent(s) to show their love and commitment to them. It would also show the boys that their new folks value using therapeutic resources to help family members deal with painful issues and make positive changes. Sibling counseling, too, is indicated to help the boys develop bonds that have been weakened between them while in foster care.

John’s academic work in school is college preparatory. He has a hard time, though, getting homework done on time. His foster mom thinks he may be too preoccupied with sports, but lack of permanency could be a factor, too. Dakota does well academically, but also has a hard time getting homework done.

While the boys could benefit greatly by having a caring, involved dad, their worker wants to hear from all families who have interest in John and Dakota. These boys both have so much potential for their adoptive parent(s) to encourage, build upon, and celebrate.

Subsidy and Purchase of Service may be available.

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