Wednesday's Child: 12-Year-Old John

BOSTON (CBS) - Jonathan, who goes by John, is a charming 12-year-old boy of African American and Hispanic descent.

With his contagious smile, John is enthusiastic for music, singing, dancing, art and food, especially french fries.

John names dancing as one of his talents. Recently, he participated in a video project where he showed off his artistic abilities both in front of and behind the camera.

Typical of many boys his age, John also enjoys video and board games, as well as playing soccer and other sports.

John currently lives at a residential program where he receives the supports he needs to meet with success. At times, he does struggle with behaviors when things do not go as he believed they should.

John has been making great strides with his peer relationships. His peers do enjoy his company, and John can be empathetic towards others.

John attends a therapeutic day school. He is performing close to grade level in language arts and math and says that math is his favorite subject.

Legally free for adoption, John would like to be in a permanent family with an older brother and a dog (preferably a Labrador retriever). He relates well to his Hispanic culture and hopes to find a family who either shares this heritage or would help him to explore it more. When asked what is important in a family, John thinks family members should try to be respectful and get along with each other.

To learn more about John, 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."