Lucia and Charles

Sibling Group
Ages: 15, 9
Country Code: LA-2
Region: Latin America
Primary Diagnosis: Learning Disability, Older Child
**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
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Available to Large Families, Available to Single Mothers, Siblings

Lucia and Charles are a very bonded Afro-Latin brother and sister sibling set who live together in the same foster home. They came into care when they were 8 and 2 years old respectively. Before coming into care, one of her older brothers often fulfilled a parental role with them but was abusive in this role. When they first came into care and for a while after, Lucia took the position of maternal figure to Charles and was opposing to the foster mothers which led to changes in foster homes. Over time, however, she settled in and started allowing the foster mother to take over the maternal role. They are doing well at their current foster home.

Lucia

Lucia, 15, is currently in the 8th grade where she participates in extracurricular activities, including soccer. She has improved in taking responsibility for her schoolwork over years past and has improved in family and interpersonal relationships. Though Lucia will complete her schoolwork, she is not overly interested in on academic subject over the other. However, she is interested in pursuing studies in beauty related fields such as cosmetology or being a beautician. She also likes to cook and is constantly trying to learn and perfect new skills.  Lucia is overall healthy, but will need to continue mental health services to help her work through her past trauma and to transition to a new family.

While Lucia tends to be an independent young lady, she seeks the approval of the adults she trusts to feel safe and confident. Her ability to control her emotions and anxiety has increased and she is learning ways of coping with her anxiety in productive ways. Due to past trauma, Lucia has exhibited a high need for control which contributed to her anxiety, but she has been learning to let go of some control and to allow herself to be in the role she should be in at her age and stage in life. Sadly, it is known that Lucia has been the victim of sexual abuse from at least two perpetrators—one prior to coming into care and one while in care. She self-reported these instances and has received psychological services to help her work through them. Lucia has come to realize that these instances were not her fault and is able to recognize that these instances do not define her. She has not sexually acted out toward others and has not participated in any self-harming behaviors.

As Lucia has continued to work through her past, she is evolving into a responsible and self-aware young lady. Lucia enjoys anything related to makeup and beauty as well as preparing special meals and desserts. When Lucia is happy, it is clearly seen in her face and continence—she literally often jumps for joy.

Charles

Charles, 9, is in the third grade at his new school after the siblings were moved to a new foster home. However, he is supposed to be in the second grade with an individual education plan that had not yet been implemented at the new school as of the time of the report. As a result, his academic performance has been poor this year, but they were supposed to re-implement his plan. Charles has a specialized plan due to a diagnosis of mild mental retardation (F708). Overall, Charles is a very collaborative child with a high sense of belonging who enjoys interactions with his peers. He is motivated by being included in activities and also by being recognized for acts of service. He is able to care for himself independently in an age-appropriate manner.

Charles’ motor skills are age-appropriate, but he does receive occupational therapy and speech therapy. On his IQ testing, he scored 68, but there is a high probability that the score actually falls in the 63-77 range due to some discrepancy between composite indices. More information is available in the child study and available documents. In addition to the diagnosis of mild mental retardation, he was diagnosed in January 2025 with conduct disorder not otherwise specified (F919) and disturbance of activity and attention (F900). He takes daily medication. Charles also wears glasses and had a diagnosis in April 2025 of blepharitis (H010) which is receiving care from the optometrist for.

The change of foster homes has been difficult for Charles, though it was necessary for the protection of the children. Coupled with the change in caregivers and environment is the expected changes in Lucia as she is now older and wants to live the more autonomous life of a teenager that is not filled with being his caregiver as was previously her role. These changes have left Charles feeling lonely and confused. These emotions have affected his behavior, and he sometimes has tantrums or becomes upset easily. It is important to note that Charles has no history of known sexual abuse but was subject as a toddler to the domestic abuse and control from his older brother when he and Lucia were in their birth family.

Charles enjoys going outside, playing football and soccer, going to the park and watching movies. He also enjoys building with blocks.

Ariel

Girl, Age: 11
Country Code: Asia.4
Region: Asia
Primary Diagnosis: Autism, Learning Disability
Listed: Jun 2025
**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***
Available to Single Mothers
Ariel has been in protective care since she was 3 years old due to her mother’s inability to care for her. She has lived in her current foster home since 2019.

At the time she came into care, Ariel was referred to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy due to her developmental needs in cognition, speech, social skills and fine motor skills. She was subsequently placed in a special school having been diagnosed with mild intellectual disability in November 2021, and she stayed in that school until June 2023. These measures helped her improve significantly, especially in the area of behavioral tendencies such as being fidgety, having outbursts and being jumpy. In fact, when her foster family moved and she started a new school in June 2023, she adjusted well and her teachers now say she is an above-average student, earning As and Bs in all her grades. While Ariel did have significant improvements in all her developmental areas, she still has some delays in each area. Physically, she can do everything she should, but she is slow when it comes to climbing and needs a handrail to go up and down stairs. She can ride a scooter, but at 11 years old, she still cannot ride a bike. She is able to take care of herself, and can write, draw and do crafts, but she does tend to make mistakes in her Chinese writing. She also tends to eat with a fork or spoon as she does not have the dexterity to use chopsticks effectively. She is also a quiet child who communicates in simple sentences and generally only speaks when spoken to, but she is able to express herself and carry conversations. Ariel does have visual diagnoses of amblyopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism for which she wears glasses and must attend follow-up appointments every six months.

While Ariel was suspected of having autism in 2021 and ADHD in 2023, after attending psychiatric appointments the diagnosis of ADHD was dismissed. The agency is inquiring if she was, in fact, diagnosed with autism as the paperwork is not clear on this matter.

Ariel is a quiet and cheerful girl who is well-attached to her foster family and enjoys going on outings with them. She is helpful in class and enjoys assisting her teacher with various tasks. She is introverted and tends to either play by herself with her special doll or other stuffed toys, or when she does play with others, it is usually with the other foster girl in her home. She enjoys watching videos or playing at the park.

Ariel will benefit from a family who can accept and help her with her mild intellectual disability and social skills challenges. Given her gentle temperament and cheerful nature, she would benefit from a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment where she can continue to receive therapy and receive special education.

Sally & Ria

Sibling Group
Ages: 13, 10
Country Code: LA-2
Region: Latin America
Primary Diagnosis: Behavior, Learning Disability
Sally: mild mental delays & mixed academic skills disorders
Ria: bipolar disorder, unspecified mental developmental delay, & behavioral issues
Listed: Mar 2025
**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***
Available to Large Families, Available to Single Mothers
Information in this report is from February 2024.

Sally and Ria live in a foster home.

Sally is in the fifth grade where she is an average student. She likes to go to school, and she is known for being helpful and kind. However, it is difficult for her to fully understand the different academic contents which often leads her to get easily frustrated and give up. It is important to mention that while living with her biological family, there were many times when she was not enrolled in school which likely contributes to her difficulties. While her favorite subject is language, her language and cognitive development are delayed. Sally has trouble reading and making complete thoughts. She also has trouble with math. She easily forgets new concepts. It has been observed that the child has difficulty following complex instructions. For the most part, Sally manages her frustrations and impulses, but there are moments where she gets overwhelmed with a task or homework. It is hard for her to stay quiet in one place as she is curious of her surroundings and active. She recognizes authority figures and is respectful towards them.

There are no concerns regarding her motor development. Socially, she interacts positively with adults, peers, younger children, and animals. She is able to give and receive affection, and sometimes she gets jealous when her foster mother pays attention to the other children. Sally gets anxious when she finds herself in a new environment and with unknown people. She is shy when meeting new people and often needs a mediator to help her interact with others. However, once she knows a new child, she enjoys interacting with her peers. She is able to verbally express her feelings and emotions. It is upsetting to her when she is scolded for misbehaving. She also worries that she may be separated from her sister. Sally is still learning to take care of her belongings and requires supervision from her foster mother to keep all her things organized and in a good state. Sally also requires supervision with her hygiene. Sally goes to occupational therapy and has follow-up visits with the psychiatrist.

Sally enjoys playing pretend, especially with her teacher or her sister. She is interested in playing soccer but due to her nutritional state, she had limitations to do sports. Her favorite colors are pink and purple. Sally would like to become a doctor to help anybody in need. She has also stated her desire to have a mom, a dad and another sibling.

Ria is in the third grade. Her academic performance is lower than expected so she receives extra support after school. She loves anything art-related, and her least favorite subject is math. She recognizes authority figures, follows rules and is usually respectful toward adults. Ria gets easily distracted and requires supervision to fulfill her tasks. It is hard for her to stay quiet in one place, and she needs to be reminded of what is expected of her in different locations. Ria had an IQ test, and the results showed a delay in her chronological age. She has trouble memorizing things, is hyperactive and gets easily distracted.

There are no concerns regarding her motor development. Her expressive and comprehensive language development is delayed. Socially, Ria is shy when meeting people and will wait until somebody takes the initiative to start a conversation. Ria gets anxious whenever she is in an unfamiliar place and surrounded by unknown people, and it upsets her when she is approached by unfamiliar people. Ria interacts positively with adults, peers, younger children, and animals. She seeks to have friends, but sometimes this seeking has caused behavioral problems at school. She does not get jealous when her foster mother pays attention to the other children. Ria used to lie to avoid the consequences of her actions, however this behavior only happens from time to time. Ria is able to verbally express her feelings and emotions, and she manages them at an age-appropriate level. The foster mother needs to constantly remind her to take care of her personal belongings and to improve her hygiene. She gets upset when peers take her belongings without her permission. It is also upsetting to her when her foster mother has to scold her.

Playing with her foster siblings and her sister makes Ria happy. She has great skills in drawing and painting. Ria has stated that she would love to have a mom, dad, and other siblings. She would like to become a doctor, veterinarian, nurse, or teacher.

Shane #

Boy, Age: 15
Region: Eastern Europe
Primary Diagnosis: Behavior, Learning Disability
Listed: Jan 2025
**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***
Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers
A male child with age-appropriate physical and neuropsychic development. Attended irregular school, with unlearned elementary school skills and knowledge. With aggressive manifestations upon minor provocations. Intellectual level – borderline low IQ.

Elsa

Girl, Age: 12
Country Code: E-11
Region: Europe
Primary Diagnosis: ADHD, Learning Disability
attention deficit/Academic school disorder
Listed: Nov 2024
$2,191.00
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!
Inquire About This Child
25 for 2025, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers
This lovely older girl has an ADHD/ learning disability diagnosis.  She could do great with a family to help her with her schoolwork!

Martin & Rafael

Sibling Group
Ages: 10, 7
Country Code: LA-3
Region: Latin America
Primary Diagnosis: Learning Disability
developmental delays
Listed: Nov 2024
$1,018.00
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!
Inquire About This Child
Available to Single Mothers
Martin was born in 2018; he is a curious and playful kid.  He likes playing outside and loves to eat hot dogs and to drink fresh juice.  Martin has mild developmental delays and attends a regular school.

 

Older brother Rafael (born in 2014), likes being outside and jumping on the trampoline.  He loves chicken, rice, and cake.  Rafael has developmental delays and is currently attending a special education school.

Gene

Boy, Age: 13
Country Code: LA-2
Region: Latin America
Primary Diagnosis: Behavior, Learning Disability, Speech Delay
Listed: Jul 2024
**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***
Available to Large Families, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Gene’s information is from a report in June 2024 — the agency does have older reports as well.  Gene was 7 years old when he entered care due to neglect. He spent most of his days on the streets and there were behavioral issues within his family of origin. His father was in jail and his mother was involved in criminal activities as well as drug usage. While she said she was going to make changes in her life to regain her son’s custody, she did not follow through. Gene is now 12 years old.

Gene is in the 4th grade. He struggles academically. It is difficult for him to understand new concepts and therefore is unmotivated to do his best. He still has trouble pronouncing properly many words. In 2020 he was diagnosed with mild cognitive developmental delay, but this diagnosis was overruled though an IQ test is pending. He can get easily distracted if he does not like a specific activity. There are no concerns regarding his motor development. His language development is behind, it is difficult for him to comprehend a reading assignment; and he mispronounces some words. In the middle of the night, it is necessary to wake him up to go to the bathroom so that he will not have any accidents. Gene has been learning to manage his frustrations and impulses in a better way. Gene interacts in a positive way with his peers. Gene recognizes authority figures; he is respectful and obedient towards them. It has been observed that Gene interacts positively with adults, kids his age, younger children, and animals.

Currently, Gene goes to therapy, and he has been diagnosed with unspecified mixed behavioral issues for which he takes daily medication. He gets anxious whenever he is not permitted to do something he wants or whenever he does not fully understand a task. He gets upset when he feels he is being attacked, but he has not become aggressive. Gene is afraid of being alone, getting lost and being in the dark. Whenever he feels sad it is because he longs to have a family.

Gene loves to participate in any recreational activity, including sports. Some of Gene’s favorite activities are playing soccer, going to the park, playing cops and robbers, making bracelets and painting. When he grows up, he would like to be a professional soccer player or a chef.

Waylon

Boy, Age: 14
Country Code: EE-7
Region: Eastern Europe
Primary Diagnosis: ADHD, Behavior, Congenital Heart Defect, Learning Disability
Listed: Nov 2023
**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***
Waylon is in 5th grade with average academic achievements. He excels in mathematics and is particularly diligent in art and technology. He is inquisitive during educational trips and is an active participant in physical play. Waylon’s reading skills are good, he is able to narrate and read a text, answer questions, observe, and analyze. He attends wrestling, science, drama and sports clubs. In his free time, he plays basketball, and football, cycles, draws, does needlework, plays computer games, and watches TikTok or films. He has several friends with whom he spends his free time.

Waylon tries to follow rules but has difficulty following rules during lessons and concentrating on tasks. He sometimes
struggles to control his behavior and emotions. When angry, he behaves impulsively and uses verbal aggression. Seeks
leadership positions sometimes overestimating his own strength. He can become angry when he loses an activity and then
refuses to continue.

At first contact, the impression is that he is shy and withdrawn. After familiarizing himself with his
surroundings in a group of other children, he becomes bold and eager to make an impression. Waylon is able to make friends with other children, but is not always able to maintain them for long periods of time. Relationships with staff are generally warm, friendly and respectful. He is willing to interact, spontaneously develops a conversation and initiates conversations on topics of interest to him. Can distinguish, understand and relate emotions (sadness, anger, happiness, joy) to personal experience, although more often suppresses them and then acts them out on impulse. He lacks emotional self-regulation skills and sometimes has complex emotional experiences (loneliness, insecurity, anger, hopes and dreams about family life). Waylon is helpful, inquisitive, polite, generous, loves animals and likes to joke. He has age-appropriate decision-making skills, problem-solving skills. He has some signs of inappropriate behavior (swearing, insulting other children, not always responding to comments, etc.) due to being around older children. Waylon has been receiving psychological counselling since 2019. His caregivers say that it is likely that his mental health will improve significantly if he is provided with a safe, affectionate family environment.