Child Profiles
James
At first glance, he looks like one of the princes from a child’s story book. His name is James and he has blonde hair and expressive brown eyes. Unfortunately, life for this ten-year old has been less than charmed; James has been in the Arizona Foster Care System for quite a long time. After years of neglect and abuse James is now in a group home waiting for a family who can help him find an easier path in life.
James is in the fourth grade and can’t get enough of science. He told 12 News Today anchor Scott Light that his dream in life is to become a weather forecaster. After a round of games and video challenges at GameWorks Tempe, James talked about his love for science and weather. “We are learning about weathering and how it formed the Grand Canyon. It was once flat but millions of years later the water ate away the rocks and now it’s a canyon,” he said. When Light asked if he’d like to be a weatherman himself James’ eyes lit up and he smiled; “I would love to be a weatherman,” he exclaimed! Coaxing a mock weather report out of him was difficult but he finally raised an arm to an imaginary weather map and said “Sunny and clear for Phoenix today.” If forecasting doesn’t pan out, his fall back job would be a police officer or a race car driver.
James told Light he likes school and does pretty well in most subjects. He likes to read, write and learn. Division is the part of math that hangs him up. His case manager, Jennifer, says he is a very enthusiastic and inquisitive boy who is ready to gain more knowledge and then share it.
Kickball is one of the games that James particularly likes in school. He’s good at catching the ball even if it hurts his arms after a particularly strong kick. He’s an avid Minnesota Vikings fan and likes to emulate his team playing football with his friends in the park.
Baked chicken is the lunch that whets his appetite at school. He is also fond of baked potatoes with milk and butter. The worst food, in James’ opinion, is noodles with vegetables they sometimes serve.
James is often found in front of his Game Cube playing Smash Brothers Super Smash and Arcade Avengers Three. He does like to read and is working his way through Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. The Harry Potter movies are some of his favorites.
James is a very special boy who is shy at times and needs a family that can help him overcome years of abuse and neglect. Although he’s inquisitive and affectionate he needs a strong two parent home that has lots of patience and the ability to teach him better social skills. Abundant love and trust will be required to help him develop an attachment that will endure. As James said with a sweet, wistful look in his eyes, “I’d like a family that will be nice, treat me nice and let me be me.” If you’re that family James is anxiously awaiting your call.
For more information on James or general information on adoption and foster care, please call AASK at (602)254-2275!
