c6931-32

Child's name: Michael and Brayden
Birthdate: 11/94 and 4/00
Number: C6931-32
State: Idaho
Listed: February 2008

Portraits by Pomerelle Portrait Design Studios

Idaho Wednesday's Child/SNAPS profile for Michael and Brayden

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

MICHAEL (11/94) and BRAYDEN (4/00) are brothers who've been together only through visits these past two years. They're ready for so much more. Both boys deserve one family that will blend their individual interests and needs while providing safe reliable boundaries. We spent a day with them at Pojo's Fun Center and discovered just how entertaining they could be!

The boys, who are not yet legally free, want to tell you a bit about themselves.

"Hi, my name's Michael, but my friends call me Mike. I like to play video games with my older foster brother. I do lots of things most boys my age don't do. For instance, I like to sing and dance and I'd like to be in plays. My favorite movie is Hairspray. I like go shopping, too, so living close to a mall would be great.

I want to live with my little brother, Brayden. He's pretty funny and I like to tease him. I can pick him up and twirl him around. Sometimes he gets mad at me, but it usually doesn't last long. We would like parents who are good with kids and are nice and stuff. I wouldn't mind having a big brother. I want to live close to my foster family and be able to visit them."

Mike's adoption worker is proud of the progress he's made in a therapeutic foster home. Thoughtful caregivers have helped him process grief and anger through communication. Their positive boundary setting has helped him feel better about himself and learn effective coping skills during times of stress. Although Mike worries about living with a new family and whether they will care for him, he has hope this will allow him to live in one family with his brother, Brayden. They've been apart for a long time.

Mike's adoption team will be looking for parents with above-average skills when it comes to living with teens. Mike has established a particularly strong relationship with female caregivers, though he also needs male mentors. Mike would do well with a mom and dad who have a strong support network and willingness to access respite as well as multiple professional services. His current foster parents encourage his wide creative interests and provide opportunities to try many new experiences. If your family is ready to work patiently for future successes, Mike has so much to offer with his sensitivity, humor and talents. Amidst struggles and triumphs, his adoptive family will be blessed by his generous personality.

"Hi, I'm Brayden. I want to live with my brother. He makes me laugh. I used to think I wanted to live in a rich family, but they spoil their own children, so I just want a normal family. I want one that talks to us and reads to us and plays with us."

Brayden is an active boy who loves all sports and games. He likes to play both inside and outside. He especially enjoys camping with his foster family, which is one of just a few interests he and his older brother share. Swimming is another shared activity that brings out the playfulness in both of them. Brayden also enjoys riding his bike.

Because of different needs, Mike and Brayden have lived in separate foster homes. Brayden wants to remain in contact with his current foster family, and they hope to be an extra set of grandparents. The family that can understand the importance of these relationships in both of these brothers' lives, and will tap into the healthy bonding that's taken place, will also have the practical wisdom and maturity needed to help Brayden and Mike work through the transition of living together after a long separation. The bond between them is an absolute strength. Differences in their developmental and therapeutic needs may also presents challenges.

Subsidy and Purchase of Service may be available.

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