Child Profiles
Finace and Michael
They are two brothers trying to find their way in the world: Finace who is nine-years old and Michael, three-and-a-half. They lived with an aunt and uncle after they were removed from their parents three years ago. When that arrangement didn’t work they went into group foster homes. Finace and Michael are now living apart hoping someone will bring them together into a loving home with room for both.
Being the oldest brother, Finace (who would rather go by Frankie), is the leader. He is big and handsome with a head full of dark curly hair. He’s in the third-grade and watches over his little brother with care, love and humor. At a recent play date at GameWorks Tempe the two were a bundle of giggles and smiles as they played game after video game. It was obvious Frankie hovers over his little brother like a mother hen does with her chicks.
As they met with 12 News Today anchor Scott Light, Michael was the more eager of the two, beaming into the camera to talk about likes and dislikes. “What’s your favorite lunch?” Light asked. “I don’t have a favorite,” responded Frankie. “Yes you do!” chided Michael. McDonald’s chicken nuggets and fries was the answer. Michael agreed but was emphatic that he did not like fries, “They always have ants on them,” he said.
Both brothers like playing video games and playing with toy cars and trucks. Frankie is fixated on football. “Football video games, watching football and playing football in the park with friends; football is it,” he stressed. The Pittsburgh Steelers are Frankie’s team and on the football theme, Game Plan is his favorite movie.
Little curly headed Michael adores his older brother and looks to him for protection and guidance. As they roamed GameWorks, Michael was stuck to his bigger brother, unwilling to leave his side. They often play with Hot Wheels cars together. Michael is also ecstatic when Frankie, or anyone else he can get, plays “can’t catch me” or hide-and-go-seek with him. Michael and Frankie’s case manager, Jennifer, says Michael is showing early signs that he is exceptionally talented and bright. “He may be young but he likes to have people read him books and he does a really good job with other children, getting along and sharing and being kind,” she said. “And the first time I met Finace, he made me laugh,” she added. “I think he has a really good heart and he likes to make people laugh.”
Jennifer says these boys need a loving and gentle home where they can enjoy their childhood. “They really haven’t had a chance to just be kids; they’ve been so worried about just surviving. They could really use a family with a strong male influence, whether it’s a dad or an older brother, who can set examples of appropriate behavior and how to set and accomplish successful goals,” Jennifer said. They both do best with lots of one-on-one attention and patience. A family that is active and adventurous will help establish that trusting bond they both need. “Given that,” Jennifer said, “will bring out the real kids inside just waiting to come out.”
For more information on Finace and Michael or for general information on adoption and foster care opportunities, please call AASK at (602) 254-2275.
