CAYLA (5/97) is ready to begin the next chapter in her life. She has spent over two and a half years in foster care and is ready to integrate into a safe, loving, and cohesive family. In her own words, Cayla wants "a family that would take care of me, keep me safe, spend time with me, and have lots of fun. I would like a mom and a dad that love me…it would be nice to have a family forever even when I'm 20!”

The qualities that Cayla needs in her adoptive family are really no different than the needs any other 12-year old would require. She needs positive adult figures who can exercise patience, consistency, love, tolerance, and understanding. She needs parents who are willing to teach her new things and reinforce the talents she possesses. She would thrive in a home that is structured and can provide boundaries, yet is flexible enough to allow her room to make mistakes and learn from them.

Not yet legally free, Cayla came into foster care in October 2006 with her older half sister and younger half brother. Although Cayla has very strong feelings of being rejection, she also has a very mature understanding that her mom has difficulties that interfere with her being there for Cayla over the long haul.

Cayla has been in two foster placements. In the first home, she and her brother were together. Cayla decided that she really wanted to be with her sister, and in April 2007 she was moved to her sister’s foster home, where she remains today. Cayla has made great strides in her current placement, both in terms of socialization and behavior.

Cayla enjoys a good relationship with her siblings, and she will be counting on her adoptive folks to help her continue to have open lines of communication with them.

Cayla, who enjoys her role as the youngest girl in her family and the attention she receives, needs unconditional love and support and the life lessons and experience that an intact family can provide. She interacts well with younger children but can get bossy. Cayla enjoys being around and caring for pets.

Being willing to participate in family counseling with Cayla during her transition into her new home would be a wonderful way for her adoptive folks to show their love and commitment to her. It would also demonstrate to her that they value using such community resources to help family members deal with past hurts and to grow and develop.