c7014

Child's name: Dorrie
Number: C7014
Birthdate: 2/99
State: Oregon
Listed: April 2008

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

DORRIE (2/99), who loves family activities and outings and longs to have adults she can count on, is eager to have a family of her own. Dorrie has some very nice creative instincts and abilities that she uses to express herself through drawing and writing stories – both of which may be therapeutic for her as well as being fun. She also enjoys singing, and is a huge fan of Hannah Montana. While a Hannah Montana wig and headset were among Dorrie’s prized Christmas presents last December, her favorite playthings are, by far, her Barbie dolls. Dorrie also takes comfort in a variety of stuffed animals she has lined up on her bed. Although she loves real animals, too, especially dogs, cats and horses, there have been some concerns that she’s too rough. Having parents or much older adoptive siblings around to supervise and guide could give Dorrie important opportunities to learn appropriate play and care of pets. She would like that. Dorrie enjoys school, and when asked what her favorite subjects are she is likely to respond, "Everything!" Dorrie is legally free.

Dorrie’s chaotic early life and multiple placements in care, and the separation from her siblings have all left her struggling with issues of trust and other symptoms of attachment difficulties and past trauma. She is also challenged by symptoms of attention difficulties and high energy, which are being managed currently through medication therapy.

While it is not necessary that her new family have a lot of experience dealing with her specific issues, it is extremely important that they are willing to learn about them so that they understand what she has experienced. And they will need to be strong advocates for the mental health services that can help her in her healing and recovery process. It would be an act of love and commitment for her adoptive folks to participate with her in family counseling during her transition into their home. It will be important, too, for her family to make sure that there is a therapist in their community experienced in attachment issues.

The good news is that Dorrie is receptive to individual counseling and is working hard on her issues. Intensive counseling for the foreseeable future will help her continue to develop healthy coping skills and move forward in her life.

With so many moves and experiences of instability, it has been hard for Dorrie to build friendships, so it has been with pride that she has met a girl who lives near her current foster home who is just a few years older than she. The two enjoy playing with Barbies and participating in imaginary play. Dorrie also participates in an after school program that provides a variety of neat activities; she’s having lots of fun playing African drums, HipHop dancing, and playing soccer.

Dorrie and her two teenage sisters and younger brother have strong connections, and Dorrie will be counting on her adoptive folks to honor her sibling bonds and help her maintain contact with them. Over the past four years, Dorrie has benefited from the support of a long term, caring mentor. She enjoys the community activities they participate in and the individual attention she receives. The two often share meals together and play games. It was her mentor who first introduced her to soccer. If possible, her mentor would like to have some level of contact Dorrie after Dorrie’s successful adoption.

While having two parents could be a bonus, Dorrie could do well with a nurturing, committed single mom too. It will, though, be important for Dorrie to be an only child or the youngest child in her adoptive home by a significant number of years.

Subsidy and Purchase of Service may be available.

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