c7534

Child's name: Michael
Number: C7534
Birthdate: 12/94
State: Oregon
Listed: September 2009

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

MICHAEL (12/94) is a handsome 14 year old boy with a charming smile, friendly personaly, and expressive green eyes who is in excellent physical health. When first meeting Michael, he comes across as serious, polite, cooperative, and socially reserved. Once you get to know him, though, his playfulness and good sense of humor shine through. Michael loves animals and gets along well with other children and youths. He enjoys skateboarding, swimming, catching frogs, and exploring nature. He also enjoys music and has played clarinet in school band. An excellent reader, Michael especially enjoys the Harry Potter series. He likes science and his least favorite subject is math. While his abilities are typical, Michael's school performance has been inconsistent – he needs a parent to be actively involved with and oversee his academics. Michael has expressed an interest in becoming a surgeon someday. Michaels' desire to graduate from school and pursue a career must be nurtured – it is a positive sign that he is thinking ahead and believes in himself.

Michael's relationships with his two younger siblings are among the most significant emotional connections he has. It is critical that his adoptive parent(s)’ support him fully in maintaining regular contact with them. Currently, he has visits with them about twice a month and during those time, he is attentive and shows how much he cares for them.

FAMILY RECRUITMENT: Because Michael’s fear of losing contact with his siblings is one of his biggest worries, his social worker is restricting recruitment to prospective adoptive parents who are in proximity to the Greater Portland Area, where his siblings live with their adoptive family. Michael, who talks about wanting to "fill the hole in my heart." wants to be adopted and to have a family who will help him have a fresh start.

Therapeutic supports continue to be in place to assist Michael in making behavioral changes, and dealing with symptoms of past trauma, including feelings of grief, loss, and abandonment regarding his birth family and a prospective adoptive family a few years ago. Due to the work that Michael has already done, he recognizes how his behavior has caused problems for himself, and he has a vision of his preferred future and what he strives to become. Having the support of his adoptive parents will provide further motivation to Michael as he learns how to let go of negative self-perceptions and build a more positive view of himself.

To be successful in his adoptive home, Michael is going to need a daily routine that is highly consistent and predictable, with clear rules, expectations, limits, and consequences. His adoptive folks need to be caring, stable adults who can provide a balance of nurturance with limit setting. These factors are particularly critical for Michael to be able to increase his ability to trust in adults to keep him safe and meet his needs. Michael also needs lots of support to feel good about himself and his abilities, and to increase his empathetic abilities.. Patience, understanding, and open communication are all keys to helping Michael develop trust and healthy relationships with others. While Michael needs activities and experiences that will build his confidence and increase his basic sense of worth and value, he also requires a high level of oversight and accountability.

Being willing to engage with him in family couneseling when he transtions into their home would be a wonderful way for his adoptive folks to show their love and commitment to Michael. It would also show him that they are willing to use such resources to help family members grow and develop emotionally and behaviorally.

Subsidy and Purchase of Service may be available.

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