The Adoption Team
Our team is comprised of very caring and experienced caseworkers who will assist you in identifying and learning about our available children. Our goal is to find a permanent family for each of our children; a family where our children can grow and thrive in a close, loving environment. The team’s wide ranging skills will help you access any services you may need to help you and your child create a warm, loving and long lasting relationship.
For more information call 585 753-6084 or fax us at 585 753-6471.
The Adoption Quilt
During the summer of 2001 former Adoption Caseworker Kathleen Dewey created a quilt which illustrates the theme of “Shelter Me With Hope” and celebrates the families who are providing foster and adoptive homes for children in foster care.
Ms. Dewey took panels drawn by foster and adopted children and incorporated them into a colorful quilt. This quilt was displayed in the Strong Museum throughout the Fall and Winter of 2001/2002.
Adoption Information
Children Currently Waiting for Adoption
All children who are available for adoption are children who are currently in foster care. They have been freed from their parents by court order. Our children who are waiting “forever” in families range in age from 3 years to 19 years. Some of them are well adjusted and eagerly await a new family. Others have physical and/or emotional issues which they continue to address in their daily functioning. We strongly feel that our children stand a much better chance of dealing with their issues successfully in a loving, caring “forever” family.
Most waiting children are eligible to receive a subsidy. A subsidy is money which is paid to the adopting parent until the child is 21 years old. This money helps adoptive parents pay for services the child may need because of the emotional or physical trauma the child has experienced. Waiting children are also eligible for Medicaid coverage until they are either 18 years old or 21 years old. A child qualifies for a subsidy because she or he is diagnosed by a qualified professional, e.g. a Medical Doctor, a Psychiatrist, or a Psychologist as having either a physical or emotional handicap which seriously affects their functioning and will be something they will need to deal with for most or all of their childhood. A child might also qualify for a subsidy because New York State determines that the child would be hard to place in a “forever” family. You can find a detailed explanation of subsidy and medical coverage on New York State’s website.
Featured Children
Gary
Gary, born December 1991, is a bright and enjoyable young man. He has a good sense of 
humor and is both creative and outgoing. He has formed strong and positive relationships with the adults with whom he currently works, however, at times, struggles with peer relationships. Gary enjoys a wide variety of activities including fishing, automotives/mechanics, music, and animals.
Gary currently resides in a residential treatment center due to his behavioral, emotional, and developmental challenges and requires further treatment prior to moving to a lower level of care. Medically, Gary has a history of asthma, chronic ear infections and hay fever. He is in otherwise good medical health and wears glasses.
Gary’s residential setting is designed to meet the mental health needs of children with borderline to moderate mental retardation within a highly structured milieu that provides 24 hour supervision. Gary is currently receiving individual therapy, group counseling, psychiatric and medication monitoring Gary is currently working on managing his emotions.
Gary’s special educational needs are being met at the campus school where he works best independently and benefits greatly from one on one assistance and praise throughout the day. Gary works at a sixth grade reading/math level. He enjoys writing his own stories and has an amazing memory –He is able to recall many details, even if told to him only once.
Gary has expressed a strong desired to be part of a family but may do best in a home without other children. His level of needs fluctuate between moderate and severe, requiring twenty-four hour supervision to maintain a safe environment for Gary and others.
Ronnie
You may never have known how many questions there are in the world until you've spent 
some time listening to Ronnie. Born February 1994, Ronnie is a bright and very inquisitive youth who loves to talk! He would be a great addition to a family with plenty of one-on-one adult time. He's active and "all-boy", with age-appropriate interests like watching sports, playing outside, and playing Game Boy. He's got a great sense of humor and interest in the world around us.
Ronnie is currently in a therapeutic foster home and entering seventh grade this fall. He would do best with parents who can "tag team" or a single parent with lots of patience - a family that can help him build strong, permanent attachments to balance out the tough times in his life. Ronnie responds well to adults who can be flexible with their expectations so that he can build a sense of acceptance and trust possibly a strong and understanding male role model.
Ronnie has sisters who were adopted and considers their families his own as well. It would be hoped that he continues to have contact with his sisters on a regular basis.
Dominick
Dominick, born April 1991, is a well-liked, physically fit, athletic youth who is known on 
campus for his sense of humor as well as for his skill in sports. He has good peer relations and has developed close relationships with staff and teachers. Occasionally, Dominick reveals an artistic side and draws quite expressively. He also has a distinctive, poetic sort of verbal fluency. He is frequently helpful to peers, and often exhibits a sense of kindness and emotional sensitivity toward the pain of others. Dominick is in good medical health with no known allergies. He is educationally on target but would benefit from support for his occasional behavioral difficulties.
Dominick's ideal family would include a father who is interested in sports - preferably both active participation as well as watching - and a mother with patience to spare. He would also enjoy older siblings.
Tyneshia
Tyneshia, born 5/3/1997, is a bright, friendly child who appreciates many things in life. She 
enjoys flowers, arts and crafts, reading, listening to music, coloring and various outdoor activities. Tyneshia is currently in a residential treatment program and participating in services to help her learn more about her behavior and how it can impact on others as well as herself.
A parenting style that can combine nurturance, firm limit-setting along with trust-building would be ideal for Tyneshia. A family with no other children or older siblings would also best suit Tyneshia's needs.
Jonathan
Jonathan, born 4/2/1994, is an engaging, articulate youth who has learned a great deal about 
himself over the past few years. Jon loves cars, trucks and NASCAR. Most summer days you can find him playing with his Hot Wheels out in the yard. In the winter, he loves to watch hockey and build snow forts.
Jon is in good health. Jon does best in calm settings that have few distractions as he is reactive to his environment and can become frustrated with chaos. However, he is a very pleasant youth who responds very well to consistency and structure. Jon enjoys the company of other children and is learning how to build friendships.
Jon states that he wants to live with 'happy people'. He thrives on one-to-one adult attention and may do best as an only child or with older siblings. A pet dog would also be very good for Jonathan.
Jovan
Jovan, born July 1995, is an enthusiastic boy with an adventurous spirit. He enjoys playing basketball and a variety of board games, watching cartoons, and drawing. He likes to be active, finding pleasure playing with his best friend, as well as spending time with the family dog. Jovan has a great smile and enjoys sharing stories with others. He takes pride in his appearance and appreciates having his clothing ironed.
Jovan is in a regular education setting where he is currently a third grade student for the second time. He is working on gaining some of the skills and information he did not previously acquire in addition to receiving consultant teacher services, speech and language services, occupational therapy, and counseling. His math and language art skills are below grade level. His distractibility affects his performance. Jovan takes medication to address his attention and activity level. His current diagnoses include reactive attachment disorder, PTSD, and ADHD/ODD.
Jovan has no physical limitations and is in good health. He is usually friendly and cooperative. At times, when Jovan becomes frustrated, he can become disruptive, aggressive or oppositional. Jovan has been seeing a therapist for four years. He has received individual, family and group therapy as well as a psychiatric evaluation and medication management. His non-verbal skills are stronger than his verbal and spatial skills and he has slight fine motor skill delays. A structured, loving home with appropriate supervision would best suit Jovan. He states that he would also like to have a pet dog.
Taylor
Taylor is an 11-year-old child with a good sense of humor and a desire to belong. She enjoys crafts, art, music and dancing. She is very creative with “hands-on” activities and enjoys doing puzzles and playing games with peers. She also enjoys reading, going to the movies, shopping, and going to the local skate park.
Taylor now resides in a residential treatment facility where she is receiving the level of structure and support she currently needs. She attends 6th grade at the campus school. Academics are very challenging for Taylor and her reading and writing skills are at the second to third grade level. It is difficult for Taylor to accept help in the classroom, as she wants to be a role model. One of the goals set for Taylor at this time is to learn to utilize adult support around rules and expectations when she becomes angry or frustrated in school.
Evenings in residential placement are still a difficult time for Taylor, especially around quiet time and bedtime. She exhibits anxiety, routinely asking for one on one attention. Taylor sometimes uses selective hearing and attention seeking behaviors, as well as instigating behaviors to compensate for her low self-esteem and lack of confidence. This will sometimes cause problems for the other children. Despite these behaviors, peers seem to like Taylor.
Taylor is in good health, with an allergy to seafood. She is receiving counseling services to help her deal with her past and to help her learn life skills. She has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and reactive attachment disorder. She is also receiving services to address sexual identity issues. Taylor is also taking medications at this time to help her focus.
Taylor has sisters with whom she would like to maintain contact. One of the goals for Taylor in her current placement is to help prepare her for living with a family; hopefully a family that will make the commitment to adopt her. Taylor would do best in a family with consistent structure and clear boundaries—a family that can dedicate time and attention to this special young lady.
Sharde
Sharde is a happy-go-lucky child who loves sports, swimming, and playing games. She is able to amuse herself by drawing and doing puzzles. Sharde currently resides in a residential treatment center to help her process some of her feelings regarding her past and how it affects her self-esteem. She responds well to praise and positive adult attention.
Sharde is a bright, intelligent student as evidenced by her grades. She is in the fifth grade and excels in school. Her math and reading levels are on target.
Sharde has a current diagnoses of oppositional defiant disorder, dysthymia, and anxiety disorder. Through therapy Sharde is learning how to trust some adults again. This is still a new skill, so at times when Sharde becomes stressed, she may still respond in a noncompliant or aggressive manner. Sharde has begun to talk about how she feels and would do well in a nurturing family environment. With continued services and the support of a loving and caring family, Sharde will, most likely, learn to fully trust again and be a full participating member of some lucky family.
Anthony
Anthony, born December 1992, is a bright young man who loves to play board games, including checkers, and does particularly well in one on one situations. Anthony loves sports of all kinds, but his favorite is basketball. Anthony can sometimes present as a very quiet individual, but when he gets to know someone he often becomes very engaging.
Anthony currently resides in a residential setting and is a seventh grade student in a special education program with a 12:1:3 class size. This allows Anthony to receive the additional structure and support that he needs at this time. Overall, he is performing academically at a fifth grade level; his reading is at a second grade level, math is at a fourth grade level, and spelling is at a sixth grade level.
Anthony has a current diagnoses of conduct disorder and ADHD, and is taking medication to assist in helping him control his behavior and allow him to begin to deal with his feelings of anger regarding past losses. In addition to medication, he is also receiving weekly therapy. Anthony is beginning the process of accepting responsibility for his behaviors and is learning to talk about his feelings. One technique being used is verbal prompting, and Anthony is responding well to this. It is anticipated that anger management skills will also be a focus in future therapy sessions. He still needs to learn boundaries and ways to contain his physical aggression toward others. Until then, restraints are being used as needed to keep everyone involved safe. Anthony is in good general health with no known allergies.
Anthony has expressed his desire to ultimately live with and be a part of a family. He can get along well with his peers. He can, at times, be manipulated by other children into following their choices.
When he is ready to leave his current residential setting, Anthony will need a family that can offer him structure, consistency and lots of love.
Casandra
Born July 1989, Casandra is an attractive multi-racial teen who loves to dance, sing, and listen to music. She lives life with a strong determination and is a friendly, energetic person with a healthy sense of humor.
Casandra is currently residing in a residential treatment facility and attends tenth grade in a 12:1:1 program in the city school district. She is diagnosed with depression, post traumatic stress disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Educationally, Casandra is classified as emotionally disabled. Academically, she is performing at an average to above average range and is expected to graduate with a Regents diploma. Her reading level is at the 9.5 grade level and her writing level is at the 9.2 grade level. Casandra is below grade level in math but does well in science, especially with hands-on activities. Teachers report that Casandra works hard at staying focused on class work and asking for assistance when needed. She would like to go to college and major in music.
Casandra has endured much loss and abandonment in her life. As a result, she has difficulty with issues involving trust and attachment. However, she has the ability to get along with others, including adult staff. With maturity and services, she is also learning how to more effectively express her anger. She is able to discuss her feeling and thoughts with others and talk about what is upsetting her. Casandra is still working on some areas regarding her emotions. For example, she would benefit from learning to walk away and not become involved in peers’ negative behaviors at times.
Casandra wants to feel that she is part of a family. Because of all her past losses, a family setting may seem emotionally overwhelming and somewhat frightening to her. Therefore, a family interested in Casandra would need to slowly build a relationship with her so that she can not only develop trust but also find her niche in the family as a member. She would do best as the youngest child and possibly with a mother who would patiently provide grooming guidance to her. A parent who would encourage Casandra’s interest in music would be wonderful.
Alphonse
Alphonse, born May 1993, is an attractive boy who loves sports and video games. He especially enjoys playing basketball and football. Alphonse can be very helpful and likes to help out by doing chores.
Alphonse is in good general health. He is allergic to strawberries. Alphonse is currently residing in a therapeutic residential treatment center with a contained residential school. He is in the 5th grade, working at a 4th grade level in all subjects, including reading and math. This residential placement is relatively new for Alphonse (originated September 2004) and was initiated because Alphonse’s behaviors were escalating both toward adults and peers. His current diagnoses are ADHD and adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of mood and conduct. Alphonse is currently taking medication to help control his behavior in combination with regular counseling.
As part of his treatment, Alphonse is learning techniques to help him control his temper. One such successful strategy is the use of space to be alone for a while. If given some time to cool down and think things through, Alphonse is often able to come around on his own. He is also beginning to learn to talk about his feelings and take time outs on his own, as needed. He has developed insight into some of the causes of his anger and is beginning to learn to talk about these feelings.
In regard to social skills, Alphonse is also beginning to demonstrate some growth. Staff reports that he is following the rules about 80% of the time, which is a vast improvement for this child. Alphonse is strongly demonstrating consistent, steady progress.
Alphonse can be very loving and deserves to be with a family that can help him continue to grow into a bright, productive member of society. He would probably do best in a small family where he can receive a lot of individual attention and definitely needs clear expectations, structure and consistency.
Alphonse has two siblings and would like to be with them, if possible. Currently, both these brothers are freed and available for homes independently from Alphonse and each other. Bryan, born September 1998, is in a regular level foster home and Shakeem, born November 1994, is currently in a therapeutic, foster home.
Bryan
Bryan, born September 1998, is a six-year-old boy who finds it hard not to smile for a camera. Even his eyes seem to sparkle and dance. Bryan loves TV, toys, cars, and trucks. If allowed, he would play with his toys for hours on end. Bryan very much enjoys being around people and loves to be the center of attention. He has an outgoing and very sweet personality and interacts well with other children. Bryan does not like being alone and when this happens, he will cry and become very upset. He is also afraid of the dark.
Bryan loves animals, especially cats. He is doing well in his foster home and responds well to the love and attention he receives in this home.
Bryan attends a public school and is in the first grade. Academically, he is on grade level in both reading and math. At times sitting still is not Bryan’s strong suit and he has some difficulty sitting still and following directions. Currently, his doctor is trying Bryan on a low dose medication to assist him in focusing but there is no formal diagnosis for him at this time. He is in good general health with no known allergies.
Bryan would probably do best in a family where there are other children to play with and parents who enjoy physical activities and events. It would be nice if the family had pets and appropriate activities to continue to stimulate Bryan’s curiosity about the world and to give him the ability to dream about his future. Above all, Bryan needs a family that can provide him with unconditional love, affection, consistency, and structure. This sweet little boy is very loving and trusting and deserves to be with a kind and caring family that will help him achieve all that Bryan deserves in life.
Bryan has two siblings and would like to be with them, if possible. Currently, both these brothers are freed and available for homes independently from Bryan and each other. Shakeem, born November 1994, is in a regular level foster home and Alphonse, born May 1993, is currently in a therapeutic, higher level of care environment.
Shakeem
Shakeem, born November 1994, is a handsome child with an intriguing smile. He enjoys playing video games and sports, especially basketball and running. Shakeem is at an age where he is beginning to take pride in his appearance and he enjoys being “in fashion.”
Shakeem currently resides in a therapeutic foster home where he is receiving the support and structured living environment he still needs at this time. Shakeem has a diagnosis of adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct. He has a secondary diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder. When Shakeem feels as if he was not treated fairly, he has difficulty controlling his behavior and he may act out by using profanity, hitting or lying. The therapy he receives every other week and the skills he is learning in his therapeutic foster home are helping him to find appropriate coping techniques and these angry displays are diminishing. Shakeem is learning to control his anger by taking time outs when necessary. He has developed some insight into the causes of his anger and he is learning to talk about his feelings. Shakeem’s self-control over his actions has significantly improved. In addition to these techniques and to help with his behavior, Shakeem is currently taking medication, with which he is very compliant.
Shakeem likes being with children and would do well with other children in a family that is not too large. It is very important that Shakeem receive a lot of individual attention in addition to being a family member. He needs structure, consistency, and close supervision. He is generally very good about following the rules of the house and wants nothing more than to be a part of a family.
Shakeem has two siblings and would like to be with them, if possible. Currently, both these brothers are freed and available for homes independently from Shakeem and each other. Bryan, born September 1998, is in a regular level foster home and Alphonse, born May 1993, is currently in a therapeutic, higher level of care environment.
Christopher
Christopher is a very creative and lovable eleven-year old youth. He enjoys collecting things such as plants, pencils and rocks. He also likes making boondoggles and being outdoors. Chris is often in a cheerful mood, especially when he has the listener’s full attention.
Christopher is still learning how to transition from one activity to another and is currently in a twelve-month day treatment program where he is classified as emotionally disturbed. He is in the sixth grade; reading and spelling at the second grade level and doing math at the third grade level. His ability to express himself as well as his receptive skills are several years delayed. Christopher is small for his age but is in good health. He is very neat and clean and is using medication at this time to help him control impulsivity and to remain focused.
Christopher would love to be a part of a family that does not have pets but does have lots of plants, indoors and out and lots of time to spend with him. A family that has a predictable routine and environment would help Christopher grow into an independent person and caring family member.
JahVa
JahVá, born July 1994, is a nine year old African American boy with a charismatic smile that can melt one’s heart. JahVá enjoys listening to music, watching TV, movies and reading. He also enjoys playing video computer games and greatly enjoys the company of adults and other children. JahVá has a great sense of humor and is a very lovable and affectionate child.
At the age of five, JahVá was in a motor vehicle accident which left him paralyzed from the neck down, including paralysis of his diaphragm, making him dependent on a ventilator for life support.
JahVá has an educational classification of disability: “Other Health Impairment” and is in a special inclusion class. He is in the fourth grade but is performing at first grade level. JahVá receives a full-range of services including a full-time nurse, 1:1 paraprofessional, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and assistive technology consult services. When JahVá does not want to respond or interact he may close his eyes and say he is sleepy.
Despite his physical disabilities, JahVá’s personality is very pleasant and he has a great sense of humor. He would like a family with a mom, dad, siblings, and a dog. JahVá needs a family with the ability to love and commit to this incredible child with special needs.
Amber
Amber, born July 1995, is a friendly, outgoing Caucasian girl. Amber loves to do physical activities outdoors and greatly enjoys riding her bike or playing with friends. Amber is a high energy child who loves to be involved in community activities at the zoo, museum or park. Amber participates in cheerleading and gymnastics and loves the attention these activities provide.
Amber resides in a family based treatment home and has made much progress during her stay there. Her gains in areas of social, emotional, and academic development place her needs at a mild level. Physically and medically, Amber has no special needs. She has no known allergies and is basically a healthy child. Developmentally, Amber still suffers from her past and as a result, she still needs a higher than normal level of supervision and one-on-one support. Due to her friendly nature, Amber could place herself in an unsafe situation, as she is still learning about stranger danger.
Academically, Amber is in the second grade and working at grade level. She greatly enjoys reading and writing. Amber also enjoys spending some of her time drawing. Although she is on grade level, Amber still needs constant one on one direction and structure both at school and at home in order to get her work done. She can easily go off target and needs to be redirected at times.
Amber’s emotional and behavioral needs have improved greatly. She still has explosive tantrums but they have diminished in number and she is less verbally aggressive at school. Amber can be very friendly and initiates play when she meets new friends but she is still working on her skills with established friends. Amber can easily fall into a power struggle and become too bossy. She is currently working on skills involving cooperative play and fairness. Amber is currently on medication to help her deal with anxiety and to help settle her anger which stems from her past.
Amber is currently residing in a family based treatment home and has been there for the past three years. She is very connected to this family but is still in need of an adoptive home. Due to her attachment to her foster family, a slow transition to her new home would be recommended. Amber does enjoy being a family member and is very helpful around the house. She helps clean up after dinner and likes to empty the dishwasher. She would probably do best in a family with few siblings.
Ana
Born September 1991, Ana is the youngest child in a very large Hispanic family. Her primary language is English but she is very fluent in Spanish. Ana is well liked by many of her peers. She also likes to please others and tends to be a follower. Ana responds well to one on one attention from adults and demonstrates a good sense of humor. She enjoys shopping and playing cards with her friends. Ana also enjoys physical sports, such as soccer and swimming.
Ana is in good medical health. She currently resides in a residential facility where she is also attending school and receiving services. Ana is diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, intermittent explosive disorder and dysthymic disorder. She has some symptoms of expressive and receptive language delays, but makes academic progress when she is able to focus. Currently, Ana’s math, spelling and reading skills are at a third to fourth grade level.
With supports in place, Ana could transition from residential to a foster/adoptive home that offers a great deal of structure and nurturance. Ana has seen siblings move to different foster/adoptive homes and she has little to no contact with most of them. Ana indicates that she is trying to do what is right as she, too, wants to be adopted. As a result, much of her AWOL and aggressive behaviors have decreased considerably over the past three months.
Chastity
Chastity, born October 1988, is a 15 year old African American girl with a great smile. Chastity enjoys team sports and is a good team player. She also demonstrates self-confidence and motivation, especially when she is playing her favorite sport, basketball. One of Chastity’s dreams is to play for the WNBA.
Chastity resides in a lower level care residential treatment setting as a result of her improvements in behavior and emotional growth. She is a regular education student working at grade level and carries an A- average in her studies. Chastity is a well-rounded child who also does well in social settings. She has keen insights into those around her.
Chastity is currently receiving counseling to help her address both past and current issues. Chastity has found success in dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder as well as an attention deficit and an oppositional defiant disorder. Some of her inappropriate behaviors included AWOL behavior.
Chastity’s current situation is her newfound status of becoming freed. Chastity is receiving a great deal of support from those involved in her care and she is learning to find appropriate outlets for her anger/grief and general confusion over becoming freed. She is a little bit better able to consider the different directions her life can possible go. After struggling with these choices, Chastity decided that she did indeed want to be photo-listed.
At this time, Chastity’s current level of placement in her group home is most appropriate for her. However, she would do well in a loving, supportive family that can help her to feel valued and an important family member. Chastity would also love a family with older children.
Florence
Florence, born October 1990, is a teen who enjoys one on one attention. She is currently living in a residential facility and making significant gains in her placement. Florence has enjoyed the benefits of a variety of recreational and therapeutic offerings in her current placement. She is a creative child who is exploring her feelings through dance therapy, and loves to sing and dance in her free time. Florence also enjoys the many recreational activities in the community like swimming, rock climbing and going to area malls to shop and eat. She can act like a teenager, or she can act much younger depending on what is happening in her life at that moment.
Florence is currently in a seventh grade day treatment program offered at her facility. She needs assistance and support to stay on task in the classroom, but is making progress in all academic areas and behaviorally in school. Florence has some developmental delays and receives occupational and speech therapy as part of the services of her day treatment program. Her current grade level in math and reading is around 3.5. In recent months there has been an increase in her ability to communicate her feelings and concerns in an appropriate manner.
Florence has no significant physical health problems. She is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, trichtillomania, and post traumatic stress disorder. Medications assist in helping her manage her behaviors and emotions. However, she still requires an immense amount of support and one on one attention. Florence has made significant strides in her placement, therapy and educational life. She is motivated to have a family and live a normal life outside of residential facilities. Florence continues to be fragile in the newness of her positive growths, but she will gain strength as these skills become more familiar to her.
Florence will require continued structure and support and an adoptive family must have the willingness to access community services that will continue to support her. Florence needs a loving and caring adoptive family that can be understanding and provide her with permanency.
Marshall
Born February 1994, Marshall is a fun loving ten-year old child with a smile that will steal your heart. He attaches easily, and seeks and thrives on adult attention. Marshall enjoys going to the museum, zoo, movies, and out to eat. He likes to draw and enjoys games, listening to rap music, and going to church. Marshall also likes to play basketball and other outdoor activities.
Marshall is a fourth grade student in a day treatment program and is currently classified as emotionally disturbed. He values learning, is a bright young man and receives good grades. His general health is good.
Marshall, who has experienced much trauma and disappointment in his life, is still learning appropriate ways to handle his frustration and sadness. He has been diagnosed with ADHD, adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and oppositional defiant disorder. At times, it may take Marshall a while to process events, and he may exhibit some aggressive behaviors when overly anxious and unsure of himself. He can also exhibit poor impulse control and this sometimes gets him in trouble in school. For example, Marshall has been caught taking, without permission, small items that do not belong to him. He is currently on medication to help him control these behaviors and he is attending counseling to address his behaviors and his feelings.
Marshall responds well to firm, consistent rules and structure. He is in need of loving and caring parents who can help him process and heal from the trauma and multiple losses he has experienced. He very much wants to be adopted and is anxious to move to his “forever family.”
Moezella
Born in December 1992, Moezella is a friendly and social pre-teen full of curiosity. She likes swimming, music, meeting new people and engaging them in activities. She enjoys riding her bike in the neighborhood and greets people as she goes.
Moezella lives in a group home where she receives supervision, structure and services for her developmental delays. Moezella is currently functioning at a 4-5 year old level. She regularly attends an ungraded classroom in a specialized educational setting. Her math and reading skills are at a beginning first grade level. She receives services to address her communication and her physical development. Moezella takes medications for impulsive and non-compliant behaviors.
Moezella could transition to a loving home with two adult caretakers who could provide consistent supervision and structure and who are able to advocate for continued educational services. Moezella should be placed with her brother, Shawn, who resides in the same group home. They enjoy interacting together although Moezella has a tendency to tease and boss him or other children at times. Due to their differing needs, it may not be possible for them to remain together outside the group home. If they are separated, they should continue to have regular contact with each other. Moezella would enjoy being adopted by an active family with children her age.
Shawn
Born in June 1990, Shawn is a healthy young man with a big smile for everyone. He loves to sing and to help around the house, making his bed and cleaning up in the kitchen. Shawn is happy and very creative when adults will participate in his games of pretend.
Shawn lives in a group home where he receives structure, supervision and services for his developmental delays. Shawn functions at a 2–3 year old level. He loves participating in his ungraded classroom in a specialized educational setting. His reading and math skills are at a beginning-kindergarten level. The school is providing services to help him increase his communication and physical development. Shawn takes medication to help him decrease negative behaviors such as aggression and tantrums.
Shawn could transition to a loving and understanding home where there is structure and supervision. Shawn should be placed with his sister, Moezella, who resides in the same group home. They enjoy each other’s company although they do not always get along. However, due to their differing needs, it may not be possible to have them remain together outside the group home. If they are separated, they should continue to have regular contact with each other.
