Aaron, 7, born on Oct. 18, 1989, is a typical little boy in many ways.
He likes to play with cars and action figures and enjoys Sega games. He's not particularly interested in outdoor games or playing ball. Aaron is a bright little boy with average to above-average abilities. He did average work in first grade this year where math and science were his strongest subjects.Aaron has articulation problems that interfere with his reading and spelling, so he's getting some extra help with speech and language. Aaron is fearful of rejection and can be shy, but he is very polite and goes to adults for help and to seek their approval. The loss of family has been very difficult for him and he's had some behavior problems as a result.
Jessica, 5, born on Aug. 30, 1991, likes to be the boss and teases the boys in her foster home. Generally, she plays well with other children, follows the rules and is a good helper. She likes to write and draw, play with her Barbie dolls and "cook" in the dirt.
Jessica can be manipulative and has difficulty with appropriate bounds with friends of her foster family, but she loves praise and attention and shows concern when others are having a hard time.
Despite their early history of abuse and neglect, Aaron was attached to his birth mother and wants to make connections with people. Jessica may take more time to trust her new family, but her social worker expects she will be able to develop an appropriate relationship. Therapy is helping them cope with the loss of their parents and prepare for adoption.
A two-parents family is considered best for these children. Financial assistance for medical care, therapy and adoption is available.