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

TANNER (7/97) is an endearing ten-year-old boy with light brown hair and big blue eyes. He has a bright smile and enjoys helping his foster mother in the garden and in the kitchen. Tanner is very good at sports. He participates in basketball, baseball, and track and field through the Special Olympics Organization. Tanner is a huge fan of Sponge Bob.

In school, his teachers talk very positively about Tanner and his ability to learn new things. While he needs academic supports, he does very well behaviorally in the classroom and enjoys going to school.

Tanner suffers from organic brain impairment that subsequently makes him a high needs child. Tanner will always need some degree of assistance and will not likely be able to live independently. In addition to cognitive delays, he struggles attention difficulties and high energy. Adults who do not have a good grasp of the needs of children with Tanner’s level of needs can be especially challenged by his impulsiveness and aggressiveness, as well as his sometimes defiant behavior.

In his current foster home which has parents experienced with developmental disabilities, Tanner is responding well to structure, boundaries, and positive feedback. And he has been able to build a significant attachment with members of his foster family. Having patient people nearby who understand his needs makes all a huge difference in how well he does in any given environment. He continues to work on his attachment in therapy.

Tanner can do very well with lots of structure, daily routine, limits and boundaries, and positive feedback from adults who parent in kind, patient, yet firm ways. Despite his many moves in foster care, Tanner has been able to build significant attachments with the members in his current home.

Tanner and his two older sisters were placed in foster care in early 2000. His sisters are in a permanent foster placement. Tanner has a strong connection to his siblings, and it would be beneficial for his adoptive folk(s) to help him stay in contact with them.

While it is important for Tanner’s adoptive folks to have a good grasp of the needs of children with developmental disabilities, it will also be very helpful for them to have a good understanding of how early neglect and abuse amidst parental substance abuse and domestic violence can impact a child’s sense of well being and development.


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