Wednesday's Child: 6-Year-Old Evan

BOSTON (CBS) -- Evan is a sweet and sensitive 6-year-old boy of African-American and Caucasian descent. He has many strengths, which are evident when he is feeling safe. Evan is a bright, affectionate child who is creative and imaginative in his play. He is able to entertain himself well. His interests are typical for a boy his age, such as playing with action figures and trucks. Evan also enjoys animals, camping, playing outside and catching bugs.

Evan is generous and empathetic to others, and he enjoys being a part of a family. He has maintained stability in the same foster home throughout the three years he has been in state custody. He has developed positive relationships with other children within the extended family system. Evan has a compassionate and protective side to him. He wants to be a police officer when he grows up.

Evan presents as a child who has been strongly impacted by early trauma. He initially appears as very guarded and defensive, though he will slowly engage on his own terms. He has an Individualized Education Plan in school and is also seen by an adjustment counselor for emotional and behavioral support. In his foster home, Evan has responded well to a gentle, nurturing approach with limits when appropriate and has had no major escalation.

An experienced two-parent family with strong childcare skills is strongly recommended. Evan is a child who will require extensive therapeutic supports for many years, so the family would need to be open and have strong teamwork abilities. The family would also need to commit to maintaining the birth sibling relationships for Evan. Evan's foster parents will play a critical role in Evan's transition to another family and hope to maintain their relationship to Evan in a role as grandparents. Any transition would require a lengthy pre-placement period done slowly and methodically for the plan to be successful.

To learn more about Evan, 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."