An active and passionate 7 year old waiting in foster care
With an inquisitive nature, Ethan asks a lot of questions—and if you tell him something, he’ll remember. This is probably why he’s learned so much from his grandmother. She has taught him to have a deep sense of pride in himself and being a person of color. She’s also talked with him about the injustices in the world and as a result, Ethan is learning to advocate for himself and others. If he feels that other kids are not being treated correctly, or if the staff are not listening to him, he will speak up and talk about it. “He’ll ask why things aren’t fair and what we can do about it,” shares his Child-Specific Recruiter, Diana.
Along with an awareness of the world, Ethan is acutely aware of himself. “He’s smart—really smart—and street savvy,” Diana notes. So his team is working with him to help him process his past. “He’s a really good kid,” Diana reiterates. “He’s just hurting.”
Using colors to express how he’s feeling, Ethan has been participating in art therapy. This week he painted the art to the right and explained, “The yellow is me because I am a ray of sunshine and need to be protected.”
Ethan’s body is as active as his mind. “He’s such an energetic kid,” explains Diana. “We’re always doing something when we meet.” Diana got him a bike this fall and he rode it up and down the sidewalk of his apartment building every day until the snow. He also loves swimming and soccer—he’d really like to join a team someday.
Ethan needs an adoptive family that understands the value of living in a community of color and advocating for the experiences of people of color. He has a very strong relationship with his grandmother, so it’s important his family be committed to keeping a connection with her and seeing her as an active part of Ethan’s life that will help him thrive. Because of his birth family connections and services, it would be best if Ethan’s adoptive family lived in the Twin Cities metro. Ethan’s family should embody patience, vigilance, flexibility and commitment. They will need to supervise his activities, so a two-parent household may be the best fit. His parents should also be prepared to help him as he heals, with the understanding that he may regress at times as he processes his past.
Details to Note
The majority of costs to Minnesota clients adopting a child under Minnesota state guardianship are covered by a contract with the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Learn More About Ethan
If you would like to know more about Ethan, please contact Diana Mena at [email protected] or 651-255-2349. Families may have to provide certain documentation to receive full information.
Meet oTHER WAITING CHILDREN
During December we are advocating for 12 children who currently wait for families. We appreciate any time you take to get to know these children and consider whether your family, or a family you know, could be theirs.
Meet 12 Children Who Wait This December
