Wednesday's Child: 14-Year-Old Dayleen

Dayleen is a very bright and loving 14 year old of Hispanic descent. She can be shy when she first meets new people but quickly warms up. She can also be very sweet, kind and caring of others. She loves reading, writing, music, arts and crafts, painting, sewing, dancing and singing. Her favorite things to do are going out to movies and for dinner. Dayleen also enjoys sports and would someday like to play on a girl's basketball team and also take "hip-hop" dance classes. She says that she would like to be either a social worker, teacher or hair dresser when she's older. Presently in the sixth grade, Dayleen has an Individualized Educational Plan and she is making great progress academically. She attends therapy weekly to help her learn how to manage her emotions in a positive way and how to express her needs.

Legally free for adoption, Dayleen very much wants to be adopted. She struggles with feeling that she is unloved. She has asked for a single mom family as she is cautious of the idea of men living in her home. She would do best as the only or youngest child in a home. Dayleen will also need the support and help of her new family to maintain contact with her seven siblings.

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.