c5663

Child's name: Patrick
Number: C5663
Birthdate: 3/93
State: Washington
Listed: 10/04, Updated 8/07

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

Legally free, PATRICK (3/93) has a friendly nature that helps him to get along well with others. He has lots of interests, too, that are pretty typical for his age – sports, video and board games, collecting sports cards, etc. And he also likes to cook! Actually, he loves just about any activity involving a caring, attentive adult taking time for him one-on-one. A healthy boy who is developmentally on target, part of successfully parenting and guiding Patrick is to help him focus his high energy in healthy ways.

While Patrick is still saddened by the loss in 2002 of his long-term guardianship home, he has slowly but surely been moving forward. This was a big adjustment for Patrick as he had lived with his guardian pretty much since his birth.

Patrick continues to be in therapeutic foster home and to participate in counseling to help him talk about his feelings of grief, loss, and abandonment, strengthen his personal boundaries, and prepare him for adoption. While he's opening up and communicating his feelings more, he is slower to put things into practice.

Patrick also benefits from having extra academic and behavioral supports in school. While he may struggle, he finishes his work every day and works hard to please his teachers. Again, the one-on-one attention he receives in the classroom helps him to stay on track. Last year, his treatment program was been successfully modified to help him maintain focus and exert better self control, so Patrick is expected to do better in school this year.

Two parents would be ideal for Patrick, but single moms and dads who have a good support system of family and friends could meet his needs, too. Of course, his folks need to have pride in his heritage and provide him with opportunities to participate in the African American community. Because of his need for parental attention and guidance, Patrick would do best in an energetic home with no younger children. Counseling for Patrick on an as-needed basis will continue to be part of his routine support system, and his adoptive folks need to be willing to participate with him when requested. While there are challenges in parenting Patrick, the rewards will be great for folks who like older boys. Patrick will blossom with parent(s) who will truly be there for him and who will give him the time and attention he needs to feel good about himself.

Subsidy and Purchase of Service may be available.

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