Wednesday's Child: 11-year-Old D'Andre
BOSTON (CBS) - D'Andre, who goes by the nickname DJ, is an enthusiastic, energetic and charismatic youngster who easily engages with everyone he meets.
Kind and generous, DJ goes out of his way to be a good friend. He enjoys spending time with adults and especially likes helping out with cooking.
DJ, 11, is of African American and Caucasian descent. He is naturally athletic and can be found outside practicing his baseball and football skills, riding his bicycle and skateboarding. He also enjoys simple outdoor activities, such as seeing how high he can go on the swings, tending to his garden and exploring nature.
DJ loves all kinds of animals, including bugs and reptiles. A future career working with animals or in the science or math field would interest DJ. DJ has a great memory and can discuss his interests in detail.
DJ enjoys learning and can often be found reading books about his favorite subjects. He is a smart sixth grader with a lot of potential, although his behavioral challenges can sometimes get in the way of his academics. DJ attends a specialized school setting. He has lived in group homes for most of his time in foster care, and will need ongoing emotional supports after placement in a family to address past losses.
DJ's social worker is seeking a single or two-parent family of any constellation, although DJ would prefer having a mom and dad. DJ would need to be the only child or the youngest with a significant age gap if there were other children in the home. Legally free for adoption, DJ needs to maintain regular contact with his maternal grandmother and his brother who is already adopted.
To learn more about DJ, 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."