Feb 25, 2009 4:10 pm US/Eastern
Wednesday's Child: 6-year-old Jalen
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Jalen is a happy, loving African American and Caucasian child who seeks affection from the staff both at his pediatric nursing home and his school program.
M.A.R.E.
Jalen is a happy, loving African American and Caucasian child who seeks affection from the staff both at his pediatric nursing home and his school program. Jalen's caregivers are fond of him and enjoy working with him. They are excited about Jalen's prospect of having a permanent adoptive family, but will miss him when he leaves.
Because of his permanent medical needs, 6-year-old Jalen functions well below his chronological age. He is in a specialized school setting where he is making slow progress. He learned to walk without assistance, but also uses a wheelchair or crawls. Jalen is energetic and loves the freedom to move around, but he also needs measures to keep him safe.
The adults who work with Jalen know his personality, his likes and dislikes, and Jalen responds to them as individuals. He enjoys playing with interactive, musical toys and watching Disney movies, like "The Lion King."
Though Jalen is non-verbal, he understands English and communicates in his own way. His facial expressions convey his feelings, and he is also learning other communication skills.
Jalen's social worker is seeking a two-parent family, perhaps with older children, that is willing to initially visit with Jalen and learn what is involved in meeting his extensive needs. They'll need an excellent support system to fully care for this young boy and allow him to reach his potential. Jalen is legally free for adoption.
To learn more about Jalen, and about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-54-ADOPT (617-542-3678) or visit
www.mareinc.org. The sooner you call, the sooner a waiting child will have "a permanent place to call HOME."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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