Penny

Description

Penny is a vibrant 10-year-old adopted from Taiwan at age 8. She’s curious, eager to learn, and currently on grade level in math and spoken English. She enjoys journaling, crafting, and hands-on projects, and thrives with structure, routine, and consistent support.

Penny was removed from her birth home at 3 months old due to abuse, including a traumatic brain injury that required a shunt (now removed). She then spent several years in foster care in Taiwan—successfully living with the same foster family for over four years as their only child. While that placement offered stability, she received no therapy or specialized emotional support. Upon her adoption, she entered a U.S. home with a large sibling set and younger children, which proved overwhelming for her emotional and behavioral needs.

Diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder and a secondary impulse-control disorder, Penny sometimes struggles with emotional regulation and impulsive behaviors, especially during stress or when feeling left out. However, she does not meet the criteria for more severe conduct-related disorders. Her therapist believes these behaviors stem from early trauma and lack of intervention, and notes that Penny “does have the capability of succeeding in a foster or adoptive home,” particularly one without younger children, as she tends to struggle when there’s competition for attention—something younger siblings can unintentionally increase.

She is currently doing well in a structured Christian boarding school environment, surrounded by similarly aged peers and supported by predictable routines and caring staff—underscoring the importance of the right setting for her continued growth.

The ideal adoptive family will be committed to continuing the supports that are helping Penny succeed now, and one where she is the only child or the youngest in the home, preferably by a comfortable age gap.”

We know that adopting an older child brings both beauty and complexity, but we also believe there are families out there uniquely equipped to give Penny the fresh start she deserves. If you feel drawn to learn more about Penny, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to connect and answer any questions you may have.

Financial Assistance: This adoption may qualify for the IRS Adoption Tax Credit, and grants are available to assist with associated costs. Please contact us to learn more.

Contact: kidteenadoptions@wiaa.org