Mathew is a funny, kind, thoughtful 14-year-old who loves science and discovering new things, which is evident by his innate curiosity about the world around him. His adventurous spirit makes him feel right at home in nature, where he loves to fish, climb trees, and work on outdoor projects.
“Mathew lights up whenever he’s around animals, especially when he’s around dogs and horses,” says his Child Specific Recruiter, Sara Jeske. The last time he and Sara spent time together, they visited a horse ranch where Mathew talked about how much he loved the horses and how they bring him a sense of peace.
As he thinks about his forever family, Mathew says, “I hope they will have pets and other kids to play with!” Ideally, Mathew would like to continue living in Duluth, in an area with plenty of space to roam and work on outdoor projects, however, he is open to any place in Minnesota, as long as he is able to live within a reasonable distance of his birth siblings, who live in the Twin Cities Metro area.
Wherever Mathew lives, his need for open spaces is very important for his overall well-being. He can be sensitive to situations in which he feels confined, so it is important that his prospective family establish clear boundaries and rules while maintaining a high level of flexibility. Mathew has experienced a great deal of trauma in his life, so it’s important that his forever family be trauma-informed. It is important that his future parent(s) have the ability to create a sense of safety and structure while maintaining patience and empathy. Mathew is excited but cautious in moving forward with a forever family, but with the right fit, he would really thrive.
Despite all he has experienced in his 14 years, Mathew is extremely empathetic and caring of others, and is always ready with a joke, story, or fun fact to share. “He is a great kid,” says Sara. “He is helpful, thoughtful, and caring, and would be a great addition to a family because he has a big heart.”
Details to Note
Due to contracts with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the cost of adopting a child from Minnesota foster care is virtually free to families.
Learn More About Mathew
If you would like to know more about Mathew, please contact Sara Jeske at [email protected] or 651-255-2227. Families may have to provide certain documentation to receive full information.
