Wednesday's Child: 12-Year-Old Charissa

Charissa is an engaging Caucasian/African American twelve-year-old girl who enjoys performing and being in the spotlight! She likes to sing and is a part of her church choir where she is a beloved and active member. Charissa has an Individualized Education Plan and struggles at times with peer relationships, however, she does extremely well with one on one attention. Considering the challenges she has faced in her life, she is a very resilient child who would thrive with consistent parenting, love and guidance. She will need time to build trust with adults, but she is a loving and engaging child.

Charissa would do best in a two-parent-home where her needs can be met with nurturance and support. She should be the youngest child in the home, and would particularly like a Spanish speaking home with no pets. Charissa is legally freed for adoption and will need to maintain a relationship with her younger brother.

For more information you can contact MARE: 617-54-ADOPT (617-542-3678) or visit www.mareinc.org.

Since its inception in 1981, Wednesday's Child has been a collaboration of the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), the Department of Children & Families and WBZ-TV/CBS Boston. Hosted by Jack Williams for the last 34 years, this weekly series has given a face and voice to the children who wait the longest for families. Wednesday's Child has helped find homes for hundreds of waiting children and continues to raise awareness about adoption from foster care.