Meet Eddie, an engaging, wise and funny 15-year-old. As a ninth grader, Eddie’s favorite school classes are math and art. He loves telling funny stories and bringing a smile to other people’s faces with laughter.
“Eddie is very knowledgeable about cars and how they work,” says Hayley, his child specific recruiter. “An ideal weekend for Eddie would include riding his electric bike, going to a museum or going out to eat.”
Spending plenty of time in nature is very important to Eddie. He enjoys agate hunting along the north shore, fishing and hiking. While not outside, Eddie also enjoys listening to music on YouTube and playing Minecraft or other video games. He is a naturally curious person and enjoys learning new things.
Building with Legos is another of his favorite indoor activities. “Eddie is incredibly creative and can create massive structures with Legos that are both pleasing to the eye and functional,” says Jason, Eddies previous child specific recruiter. “He has goals about what massive Lego sets he wants to get once he gets a job and can earn his own money. He has a sizeable collection that he can take with him!”
When thinking about Eddie’s ideal home environment, Hayley says, “He would thrive in a one or two-parent home and is open to a family with a mom and a dad, two moms, or a single mom. There can be other kids in the home but preferably he would be the oldest. He would like to stay in the Duluth area if possible but is open to other areas of the state. Eddie likes animals and is gentle and caring with pets.”
Eddie can be anxious in unfamiliar settings, so any adoptive transition would require constant evaluation to see how to make him the most comfortable. “It is important for Eddie to be heard throughout the process and for his future family to give him the attention, respect, and love that he deserves, and for them to encourage him to learn independent living skills,” says Hayley.
Eddie has moderate behavioral, emotional and learning needs that a family should be aware of and should have services set in place once Eddie transitions to their home. Eddie also had a recent back surgery and will need physical therapy for at least six months to one year.
Eddie continues to have a relationship with family members in the Duluth area. An adoptive family would support this by remaining in contact with birth family by setting up visits and helping with transportation. Eddie also has a younger sister who has been adopted with whom he wants to maintain contact with.
Overall, Eddie is looking for stability and a family that will be there for him through the highs and lows. He is excited about the prospect of living with fewer kids than he does at his group home but would be excited if he had adoptive siblings as well.
“Eddie is a truly amazing kid who can thrive in an adoptive setting,” says Hayley. “Eddie is a funny, witty and kind youth who wants to be adopted and feel a sense of belonging. He cares deeply for others and wants to be a part of the decisions that are being made in his life.”
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 Eddie
If you would like to know more about Eddie, please contact Hayley Parsons at [email protected] or 651-255-2236. Families may have to provide certain documentation to receive full information.
