Wednesday's Child: 11-Year-Old Emperis

BOSTON (CBS) - Emperis is a smart, engaging and personable African American young lady who is eager to please people around her.

Energetic and cheerful, she is very helpful. This outgoing and talkative 11-year-old does best when she is busy with activities – riding her bicycle, playing outdoors, listening to music, playing with her Barbie dolls and watching television are among her favorite pastimes. Emperis can be affectionate and is nurturing toward her dolls and pets.

Academically, Emperis is doing well and receives good grades.

She has an Individual Educational Plan in school to address her emotional issues. She is in a small classroom where she receives more attention and is able to focus better. In her program, Emperis thrives with a predictable routine and structure. She gets along well with the other children in the program. Emperis says she wants to become a nurse or a singer when she gets older.

Legally freed for adoption, Emperis would do well with a strong and loving two-parent family or a single mother who can provide limits when necessary.

If there were other children in the home, older children are preferred.

Maintaining her relationship with her older sister and grandmother is important to Emperis. Emperis' social worker recommends that an adoptive family works with Emperis' current program to help her with a gradual transition. In time and with a family's reassurance and commitment, Emperis could feel that she truly belongs.

To learn more about Emperis, 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."