Every year over 23,000 kids age out of U.S. foster care. Please take a moment to get to know a few of the kids that need to match with families before it’s too late.
Just like Thelma, Tyler will turn 18 this summer. In many ways he is the typical teen. Described as “laid back and sweet” by staff who’ve met him at recent events, Tyler has been working in a movie theater for the last year and just celebrated a work anniversary. As a hard worker who is really dependable, he hopes to move up to Shift Lead soon. When he’s not working, Tyler likes to go to the movies with friends—especially action movies. Or, to take part in high school milestones, like attending prom.
“Tyler is really fun to be around. He’s just a real kid. I could sit and talk to him for hours—he’s very honest about what he’s thinking and how he’s feeling,” shares his Child-Specific Recruiter, Kayla.
It will take a while for Tyler to warm up to new people, but once you’ve gained his trust, he is extraordinarily caring. Though Kayla notes, “He doesn’t like you to know he cares; it shows through his actions.” He is very loyal to those he holds dear and will go out of the way for his family. He’s also very understanding of life circumstances and why people may do the things that they do.
“He’s so resilient. I’ve been working with him for almost three years and the personal growth I’ve seen in him is astounding,” said Kayla.
Gaining confidence in his independence, Tyler is looking forward to living on his own and going to college. However, he needs a family that can give him the extra support and connection that he needs throughout his lifetime. He would really benefit from a parent or parents who are ready to mentor him as he plans for college, and to help him succeed. He has an aunt in the metro area that he visits every weekend; this is an important relationship for him to maintain so his adoptive family will need to be prepared to support their connection.
Details to Note
The majority of costs to Minnesota clients adopting youth under Minnesota state guardianship are covered by a contract with the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Learn More About This Teen
If you would like to know more about Tyler, please contact Kayla Hendrickson ([email protected]; 651.255.2249). Families may have to provide certain documentation to receive full information.
