Basic Info

Thomas

Age: 60
Sex: Male
Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian, Hispanic
Religion: Catholic

Dawn

Age: 53
Sex: Female
Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian, Hispanic
Religion: Catholic

Child Preferences

Age: 5 to 11 years old
Sex: Male
Max Number of Children: 2
Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian, Hispanic, Unknown

Special Needs the Family is Open To: Mild Physical/Medical Disability (Open to Discussion), Asthma, Drug Allergies, Environmental Allergies, Food Allergies, Difficulty in Attaching, Difficulty Making Friends, Fetal Alcohol Effected, Low Birth Weight or Premature, Prenatal Drug Exposure, Speech Delays - Mild, Academically behind due to poor attendance, Has Behavior Problems in School, Mild Learning Disabilities, Suspension(s), One/Both Parents Diagnosed with Depression, One/Both Parents Have Alcohol Addiction, Child has had a disrupted adoption, Multiple Placements, ADHD, Requires Counseling/Therapy, Willing to Maintain Contact via Mail with Bio Family, Willing to Maintain Contact with Past Foster Parents, Willing to Maintain Contact with Bio Grandparents & Other Relatives, Willing to Maintain Contact with Bio Siblings

Environment

State: Illinois
Neighborhood: Suburban
Residency:
Years Together: 25
Children in the Home: 0
Pet(s): Cat(s)

Work

Thomas

Occupation: General Manager

Dawn

Occupation: Hair Stylist

Adoption Agency

Agency: Lutheran Child and Family Services
Worker: Susan Radcliff
Worker: susan_radcliff@lcfs.org
City: Belleville
State: Illinois
Zip: 62220

Family Description

We would be fine with a single child or 2 siblings. Ages that we feel would be a match for us would be 6-14. For race we would like to adopt a child or youth that is Caucasian/Hispanic, because my husband and I are both that race. We know we can truly give our traditions we grew up with and give them a chance to know their culture. We will honor any relationships they need to. We love to travel and experience new things. We both have the opportunity to be able to have flexibility with our schedules at our jobs. Our traditions are holidays spent with family and friends. Our home is a 4 bedroom home. We live in a community which have access to good schools, good hospitals. It is a family oriented area that where we live. Well since all of our friends who have children now from the ages of 3-15, we have had lots of babysitting experience. We have a swimming pool so the kids love to come and swim, so we have to be very careful that the kids know our rules and be safe. We have learned a lot about children because we have been in these kids lives since they were born. Our family for sure. Our co workers also. My work has given me the benefit to get to know a lot of teachers in our are schools. They are ready to give me the recourses we may need and the understanding of a child who may need additional help in school. We understand that other issues with past history of the child, that we will make sure we can help the child get that help they need.

Preference Description

We would like to adopt a boy between ages of 5-13 We are open to 2sibs. We are open to a child who has had trauma in their life. We are willing to except a child with minor medical needs,attachment issues,moderate learning issues.

The Suarez Family Profile

Tom and I are from a Hispanic background. We would like to adopt a child who has the same, because we think It is important for them to know their heritage. We are open to making sure a child wants to keep in contact with family members and foster families who he would want to be in contact with. Phone calls, Skype, meeting together is fine. If we feel it is a healthy relationship for the child that is all that matters.

Introduction

We love to travel and experience new things. We get involved with charity events to help our surrounding communities. First our family is the most important in our lives to make sure we are their for them.

Home and Community

Our home is a 4 bedroom home. We live in a community which have access to good schools, good hospitals. It is a family oriented area that where we live.

Parenting Experience

Well since all of our friends who have children now from the ages of 3-15+ we have had lots of babysitting experience. We have a swimming pool so the kids love to come and swim, so we have to be very careful that the kids know our rules and be safe. We have learned a lot about children because we have been in these kids lives since they were born. We have seen a lot of struggles with our friends and family's children. We saw how a child changes over a divorce, having to change a home and school, and friends, and the child seeing the parents with someone different, and then one weekend with father, next with mom. This is small compared to a child in foster care. But the children we know are fortunate to at least have a mom and dad who they see on a regular basis, but that separation still effects them today. We saw the struggles and we have been their with them. We have not been to any parenting classes, other than the foster parent classes. We feel confident that we will make sure that we have all the recourses that we can go to for any challenges that come about for the child.

Support

Our family for sure. Our co workers also. My work has given me the benefit to get to know a lot of teachers in our are schools. They are ready to give me the recourses I may need and the understanding of an adoptive child.

Motivation to Adopt

No matter what we know this is a life commitment. We know no matter what we will give our love, patience, open minds, and just try to do the best we can under what ever circumstances.