A Child is Waiting: Avery

“Avery beams when he sees me,” says his care provider, “and always asks about my family and my job. Using three words, I’d describe him as: strong, caring and endearing.”

Thirteen-year-old Avery wants people to know, “I am a smart kid.” A polite seventh grader, Avery’s favorite school subject is art.

“Avery is a smart boy,” says his care provider. “He does great in school. He likes to read and does grade-appropriate work. He cheerfully helps with chores, and he is a good communicator.”

One of Avery’s favorite series of books is The Spiderwick Chronicles, and he also likes comic books. He enjoys watching funny videos, playing videos, building with Legos, going for walks and out for ice cream, swimming, movies, and learning about history.

Avery’s mentor describes Avery as “an energetic and free-spirited young man.” They speak together weekly, visit local historical sites, work on model airplanes and celebrate holidays together.

Avery is hoping for adoption and for a permanent “forever family.”

“The best adoptive family will need to be able to give lots of one-on-one attention,” says his care provider, “and will need a strong, trauma-informed background, helping him to gain and explore experiences he’s missed out on.”

She adds, “A family where Avery is the youngest by several years — or an only child — is considered to be in his best interest. He needs to complete his residential program (which could take a year) before he can discharge, and his adoptive family will need to connect him with individual and family therapy.”

“Avery can make and maintain relationships with caring adults,” his worker said. “He has endured so much but looks toward the future positively.”

For more information, contact Orchards Children’s Services of Southfield at 855-694-7301 or visit orchards.org.