Child Profiles
Francisco, born 1993
Francisco has a sparkle in his eye that can instantly brighten up a room. He is a sweet and enthusiastic youngster with an exuberant, endearing spirit. Despite challenges with developmental delays, Francisco makes the most of every day and cherishes the close relationships he has with friends and loved ones.
“I'm pretty good at drawing,” Francisco shares. That may be an understatement if the impromptu crayon drawings he created recently are any indication. Looking wide-eyed at a blank piece of construction paper, Francisco took only seconds to contemplate how he was going to draw the dragon he had just drummed up with his imagination. He took a blue crayon from the nearby bucket and started to work. Within just a few seconds, a truly amazing creature began taking shape. Arms, legs, scales and a twisted, spiked dragon tail unfolded on the paper. As a finishing touch, Francisco gave the dragon some impressive claws and sharp teeth. Then, with a look of gleeful satisfaction, Francisco held the drawing up for all to see. His smile said it all. He had created a masterpiece.
When he is not spending his free time drawing, Francisco enjoys a variety of activities. This thirteen-year-old says that he loves having fun. And fun takes shape in a lot of ways in Francisco’s world. “(I) play games, go outside… get free time,” he says. On sunny days, Francisco likes to head to the basketball court. “I'm playing basketball. I am good at (that) game.”
Like most young boys, Francisco loves playing video games. “I (am) good at Playstation and I (am) good at Gamecube and I'm good at Nintendo,” he says.
Cartoons are a huge favorite of Francisco’s. He seems to especially love the Japanimation hits popular with young people today. “Cartoons? Yu-go-oh, Megaman… and I like Pokemon and I watch Dragonball Z and that’s all I like,” he lists with a shy smile. In addition to watching the cartoons, Francisco likes collecting Pokemon cards and other cartoon-based collectable cards.
Cartoons are not the only entertainment Francisco craves. He also gets a kick out of action adventure and blockbuster hero movies. He has no trouble pointing out his very favorite. “Batman Begins. It’s a nice movie I like.” Francisco notes that going to the movie theater is a real treat. “(I) went to the movie theatre (to) watch a movie and I like to do this,” he says, eagerly adding “it make(s) me happy.”
When it comes to music, Francisco enjoys just about everything. Tunes with a good beat and a fun melody can get him up on his feet and dancing. He also likes singing along with Will Smith and Michael Jackson.
Francisco is in the seventh grade this year. He seems to enjoy school and says that Math is his favorite subject. What is he studying in his math class that he enjoys so much? “Times tables,” he says. Francisco’s second favorite subject is spelling. “We take a (spelling) test on Friday,” he said, adding that his spelling teacher is quite proud of him. “Everyday Mr. Bond tells me that I’m good,” he shares.
Francisco is not a picky eater. In fact, he likes all sorts of foods. Cocoa Puffs, pepperoni pizza and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches top his list of favorites. And, like most teens, Francisco admits, “I eat a lot of food!”
Francisco is eager to join an adoptive family that will love him for a lifetime. “I dream about having a family and I'm doing good,” he says. The ideal family for this gentle and respectful youngster is one with two parents and other children in the home. “I'd like to have a family. (A) mom or dad, brother and sister,” he explains. He may also do well as an only child.
Francisco’s adoptive family should be active and eager to be on the go with Francisco. He loves being out and about: going out to eat, going to the movies, playing at the local park and going to nearby stables to look at horses. He will do well with a family that can keep him busy.
Travel is another activity Francisco would like to experience with his new family. He shares, “I like to go on vacation and I'd like to go to New York, I (have) never been there and I (would) like to see it. And California and Mexico.”
Francisco’s his new family should understand of his developmental delays and other special needs. They should also be willing to advocate for him scholastically. Patience, consistency, structure and positive reinforcement will be key ingredients to success with this sensitive and likable boy.
Francisco knows that finding a permanent, loving family will be a big step in his life. He is looking forward to being part of a family that will love him for a lifetime. He has no trouble expressing his excitement about the prospect of a new life. He says with a shy grin, “When I (am) good and adopted, I’ll be happy.”
For more information about Francisco or to learn about foster care and adoption opportunities, please call AASK at (602) 254-2275.
