Daniel

Description

Daniel is a 14-year-old boy adopted from Bulgaria, where he lived with his foster mother and a brother who turned 18 prior to Daniel’s adoption. He was close to his brother, foster mother, her former husband, their children and grandchildren. Daniel had been awaiting adoption since he was placed in foster care, at five. Because adoption was something he looked forward to the foster family encouraged him to do what felt best, speaking of opportunities in the U.S. He chose to be adopted.

In online conversations with Daniel, his family noted some discomfort when their black son came on screen. It was a concern. On arriving in the U.S., Daniel explained to his adoptive mother that Bulgarian people react to black people with fear and aversion. In the months that followed, Daniel was verbally and physically aggressive with this son. Daniel had difficulty sharing things, a room, items people share (snacks, lotion, soap) and this son’s friends, with whom Daniel attempted to create wedges. This has created unfortunate social situations in which Daniel, because of this behavior, is becoming isolated.

The family has felt Daniel would do well in a family that did not have male black children. He does not demonstrate the same feelings towards a black sister. (This family is a multi-racial family.)

Daniel has adapted well other ways, is respectful to his parents, does fine with other siblings, relatives, is kind to their pets. His English is good, he is succeeding academically. He enjoys worshipping with family, scripture study, playing games, watching movies. He is good chess player and an exceptional soccer player. He has a good appetite. He enjoys cooking, gardening, drawing. He is a talkative, gregarious child who can be competitive, but has learned to be a good sport. He is cuddly and affectionate. He especially looks forward to holidays and family birthdays (this is a large family and there is always a birthday coming up.) He had struggled with “class clown” behaviors at both school and church but has matured.

Daniel is short for his age; no signs of puberty; no signs of sexual abuse. Daniel came with a developing faith in Christ and might be most comfortable continuing in a Christian family. His parents feel, however, that Daniel would do well with a receptive family of faith or belief, practicing positive value systems. They feel he can overcome racial bias, but believe this will take many years. Daniel has agreed readoption is the right decision. He feels sorrow for what he has done. The behaviors have stopped, however there is no bond between the boys. The adoptive family desire a healthy environment for their black son and other siblings, and a fresh start for Daniel “who has all the potential in the world.” Daniel has intermittent contact with his Bulgarian foster family who are a positive influence for good.

If you fit what we are looking for, please write to us and request his full information. Please email us at kidteenadoptions@wiaa.org

This is a private adoption, so a state or foster care home study might not work. State authorized private domestic or international home study is generally required. You will need a current, updated, or new home study for this adoption.

Due to state laws, we cannot place this child in CT, MA, NY, or DE. If you live in WI, a few steps must be followed, but it is possible to adopt from there. If you live in OR, you may need to travel to the child’s state to finalize the adoption. We have made recent connections in FL that could potentially make it possible to place in that state. Please contact us for more information.

If we have home study ready families for this child, we will consider them first. Therefore, if you are willing to take a child between the ages of 9 and 15, we suggest you begin the process as soon as possible.

We know that adopting a child over the age of 9 could be difficult, but we feel confident that there are parents of all types out there who love kids and would love to add them to their families.

Adoption is a legal process so there will be costs associated with them. There are grants which might be available to help fund your adoption (please request that information.) This adoption may qualify for the IRS Adoption Tax Credit.

Contact us if you have any questions or want to know more about Daniel. Our email is kidteenadoptions@wiaa.org