NOVEMBER'S CHILD

barbara ford Marcos & Saul

Every child deserves a place to call home and the outpouring of love that is the foundation of a healthy parent-child relationship. However, there are nearly 10,000 Massachusetts children and teens in foster or other substitute care who have suffered abuse, neglect, abandonment, and betrayal at a time in their lives when they needed to be cared for most. So many of these valiant survivors, entrusted

to the care of the state, wait endlessly for that special person or family to come forward. For far too many, the day never comes.

While becoming a foster or adoptive parent certainly comes with challenges, the rewards of parenting such a child are tremendous. Bay State Parent hopes you will give pause to the following profile and consider how you can help.

In honor of National Adoption Month, I want to introduce you to Marcos and Saul, who are two handsome, active 9-year-old twin brothers of Caucasian/Latino background. Especially close, they are currently living in a residential home, where they have made much progress.

Marcos is a very fun-loving, outgoing, energetic boy who likes to swim and play sports. He gets along well with staff and peers. Marcos enjoys nature and likes animals. He is learning how to ride a horse. Marcos is extremely bright and a quick learner. He is eager to please and responds well to one on one attention. His favorite subject is science. He would like to be a scientist one day.

Saul is a friendly, sociable boy who enjoys the outdoors and sports. He likes horses and has learned how to ride them. He spends a lot of time caring for the horses, and is attached to one in particular. Saul has many friends and gets along well with staff. He thrives when he receives lots of encouragement. He likes school, is working at grade level, and benefits from an individualized educational plan. He hopes to be a teacher when he grows up.

Marcos and Saul have been in the care of the Department of Social Services for over five years, and are legally free for adoption. They are requesting a family with a mom and a dad, who has a dog, horse, bunny, and cat. Marcos would also like to be in a home where they can "guard" him, meaning to keep him "safe."

A single or two-parent family with an active lifestyle and a love for the outdoors would be a great match.

The ideal family should also be patient, supportive, consistent, nurturing, and willing to participate in therapy with the boys during their transition into a new home.

If you would like more information about Marcos and Saul, or general information about adoption, and/or foster care, please call me at the department of social services at 508-929-2143.