Ujima interviewed Zanell Dorsey and Sibyl McDade with DPFS in our November 2009 issue. We were overwhelmed with emotion discovering all the children awaiting adoption. We discovered there are many Black and Hispanic children who are looking for a family. We will be introducing new children each month that need a home. Maybe you will find a child you will want to invite to be apart of your family.
Destiny, Darius, and Treydon, are waiting to meet their “forever family”. They are bonded and protective of each other. Darius and Treydon can compete with each other at times. They each are still adjusting to the changes in their lives and will need support to resolve their emotions.
They are talented children with tremendous potential. They need a family that will provide them with positive reinforcement to succeed and pursue their goals.
Destiny, 15, is a shy and somewhat reserved girl. She is generally soft spoken and sweet. Once she gets to know someone and feels comfortable with them, she will become more engaging. She’s a very caring person and does an effective job of conveying her concern for herself and others.
Destiny is musical. She has a beautiful voice and sings in her school’s choir. Her favorite TV show is “American Idol” and she’s considering a musical career when she grows up. Destiny likes to spend time with her friends and her dog. She likes to read, play board games and work puzzles with her foster mother.
Destiny’s therapist reports that she is very sensitive and nurturing child. She is sometimes afraid to try new things, but has been intentional about stretching herself. Destiny sometimes has the fear of the unknown.
Destiny’s caseworker reports that she has a great sense of humor, “Her eyes twinkle when she smiles which is most of the time since she is such a happy and carefree child.”
Darius, 13, is a fun-loving child with a forgiving spirit. He has a pleasant and gentle disposition and is usually very cooperative. He generally complies with requests made of him, but is thrown off when his routine is disrupted. He is a very helpful boy. He takes initiative whenever anything is needed and takes care of his chores responsibly.
Darius likes to play all kinds of sports. He sings in the choir and thoroughly enjoys it. He enjoys TV and has certain shows he doesn’t want to miss. He enjoys coloring and loves to have someone color with him. He doesn’t like to read, but does enjoy being read to.
Darius has some difficulties educationally due to a delays caused by his diagnosed Neurofibromatosis. He is currently participates in special classes and will most likely need these services throughout his education. Darius is diagnosed with Neurofibromatatosis, Type 1, which is a disorder of the nervous system that primarily effects the development and growth of neural (nerve) cell tissue. There were no concerns regarding his last checkup, although he continues to be monitored by his doctor for any changes. Darius also wears glasses.
He is very outgoing and makes friends with ease. He likes people and enjoys interacting with everyone. He is often teased by peers because of his speech difficulties and effects of Neurofibromatosis. Darius takes the teasing very hard at sometimes and can be sensitive and self-conscious about it. However, he is strong and tries again to make the effort to reach out to his peers and attempt to make friends. Darius appears more comfortable with younger children.
Darius’s caseworker and caregivers reports he’s a fun-loving child with a forgiving spirit. He is protective and attached to his siblings, especially his sisters, and always looks out for them. His caregiver notes that he has a desire to be a “better kid” and tries hard to improve his behavior. His therapist adds that he has strong attachment to his siblings, with good capacity for future attachment to an adoptive family.
Treydon “Trey”, 10, is a sweet and well-mannered child most of the time. He’s describes as being more reserved than his brother and sometimes appears withdrawn. He is working to resolve his anger and sadness over past issues and losses. Trey values friends and relationships. He likes to play with his peers for a time, but is also comfortable playing alone. Trey likes to ask a lot of questions and tends to be a nervous child.
Trey likes any kind of sports. He is currently playing soccer and would like to play football. He’s a talented athlete and is proud of his trophy collection. He likes playing “tag” and “hide-n-seek”. When church activities are an option, he always wants to go.
Trey’s caseworker states “He is a fun child to be around and likes to laugh. He likes to have fun and is very playful.”
Trey is an avid reader and a honor student. He loves school and to learn.
Trey’s foster mother states “he wants to be accepted and received, but his trust has been damaged and he typically hangs back waiting to be drawn in.” She adds, “Trey is afraid of what the future holds for him, especially regarding adoption. He worries a lot about his sisters.”
Trey has tremendous potential both in academics and athletics. To maximize this potential, he needs a family who will support him. Trey’s adjustment with an adoptive family needs to be gradual to reduce his anxiety. He needs assurance that they’re committed, trust-worthy and that he’s safe.
An adoptive family for these children needs to open their hearts and lives to them. They need a family that’s committed, patient and trust-worthy. Their younger siblings have been adopted and this causes anxiety for the children. It will be beneficial for the family to help them maintain contact.
To inquire about Destiny, Darius & Treydon, contact Zanell Dorsey at zanell.dorsey@dfps.state.tx.us
or 512-864-6015. To learn about other waiting children in foster care, you can visit the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange at www.adoptchildren.org.
