Does your family like the outdoors; fishing, camping, riding bikes and horse back riding? ISAIAH (6/00) and MALIK (5/02) love these activities and will thrive with a family who can help them explore their interests and allow their talents to shine through. The boys are legally free.

Isaiah is loveable, kind, and helpful. A boy who wants to please others, he is described as having a heart of gold. When he is happy you know it by his laughs, giggles, and smiles. Isaiah also likes to be busy and loves the outdoors. Along with riding his bike, horseback riding, and fishing, he enjoys playing with water balloons and swimming. He also likes finding bugs and snakes in the woods. He loves animals and has learned the importance of caring for others through his care for animals.

Malik is a child who is full of life but a bit shy until he gets to know you. He loves the outdoors, riding his bike, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Malik also enjoys helping with the horses. He likes fun family activities, too, such as playing Wii games or having books read to him. While his GameBoy, remote control cars, and stuffed animals are among his favorite toys, his most favorite possession is his bike! And Malik would ride for hours if allowed. Malik has a wonderful singing voice and sings along with his favorite CDs.

The boys, who originally came into foster care in late 2003, came back into care most recently in August 2008 when their two-year adoptive placement disrupted. Currently, the boys are benefiting from being in therapeutic foster care, where they have a high level of structure, a very consistent daily routine with clear rules, limits, and consequences that help them due well.

Both Isaiah and Malik have learning, developmental, and behavioral issues that may be caused in part by prenatal exposure to substance abuse prenatally, as well as their early environment. Isaiah participates in a specialized school program, where he attends class four hours a day and has a one-on-one aide to assist him with academics and behavioral issues. He struggles with impulsiveness, being truthful, relationships, and trusting. He currently has a skills trainer who is working with him specifically on increasing his social skills and desire to be honest. Malik also has a specialized school program that includes visual aids, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and a one-on-one aide for half of the day to help support him academically and behaviorally. Malik loves recess, PE and painting. Malik and Isaiah were recently assessed for further occupational therapy and will begin services for sensory issues soon.

Malik and Isaiah have lived together all their lives and love one another. Of course, they have typical sibling rivalry and will be each other’s best friend one minute and really annoyed with one another the next. Isaiah about what will happen to Malik, if they are still in foster care when Isaiah turns 18.

Malik and Isaiah need a family who is experienced in parenting children with special needs. The parental traits that will be most appreciated are patience, kindness, nurturing, and love. A forever family that will be able to handle discipline in matter-of-fact ways without being judgmental and disapproving will help the boys immeasurably. These are kids who benefit greatly from a lot of positive reinforcement. Both Malik and Isaiah love the outdoors and a family who can share, embrace, and broaden this love will go a long way in assisting Malik and Isaiah to bond.


Subsidy and Purchase of Service may be available.