c7171

Child's name: April
Number: C7171
Birthdate: 4/95
State: Washington
Listed: October 2008, Updated 6/09

Scroll down to view April's Wednesday's Child video

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

Gregarious, intelligent and energetic, APRIL (4/95) has a lot going for her and is quite capable of applying herself when motivated. A typical 14-year-old in many ways, April enjoys spending time with her friends. She is an adventurer- active and fun-loving. She is a natural athlete and gifted at outdoor activities such as swimming, canoeing and kayaking.

As with many young teens, April is clearly pushing limits on the home front and at school. While puberty and early adolescence are likely a significant influences, other contributing factors likely include residual effects of past trauma, as well as unresolved feelings of grief, loss, and abandonment. Particularly challenging is the rough/tough exterior that April presents to the world around her, which is characterized by aggressive (and sometimes threatening) voice and language. These behaviors could be seen as an attempt to protect her self from a repeat of psychological pain and separation. Not surprisingly, her façade is pretty successful at concealing the loving, caring aspects of April’s nature. Acceptance, patience and encouragement will help April resolve these difficulties and aid her making positive changes.

Academically on target at school, April current attitude that seems to be a combination of apathy and smugness interferes with her do her homework and actually turning it in. In the classroom and on the home front, April is currently under a behavioral plan which uses behavioral tools and methods, including rewards and loss of privileges.

It would be an act of love and commitment for April’s adoptive folk(s) to participate with her in grief and loss counseling during her transition into her adoptive home. Grief and loss counseling will also address April’s impulsiveness and help her learn new skills. It could also underscore for April that the family is very accepting of using outside supports to help family member resolve issues and to move forward in their emotional growth and development.

Legally free, April came into foster care for in December 2004. April, who has been with her current foster family since September 2006, is hoping that the family chosen to adopt her will want to help her maintain contact with some of her birth family members.

April could do well with an emotionally healthy, single mom or a mom-and-dad who enjoy the activity and energy level a teen brings. Having a good grasp of the ‘goals of adolescent child development’ could be a huge benefit. Having meaningful past experience with teenagers through parenting, teaching, coaching, or counseling, etc. would be wonderful for child and parent(s). If you want the challenges and rewards of helping April navigate adolescence and become a successful adult, please call us. This is a girl with potential!

Subsidy and Purchase of Service may be available.

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