Kids & Family
A Child is Waiting: Playful Jacob Likes Animals and Football
Hundreds of Michigan kids are hoping to be adopted by "forever families" before aging out of the foster care system.
by Honey Murray for Digital First Media
FOOTBALL, LEGOS, HORSES – AND SNOWTUBING
“Jacob is a thoughtful and playful kid,” his adoption worker said, “and has been described as a ‘Teddy
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Bear’ who still enjoys activities that younger boys do: playing with miniature cars and Legos, coloring,
board games.”
Jacob also likes to be outdoors and has fun with friends, playing football and riding bikes.
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“At a recruitment event two years ago, Jacob tried snowtubing, and he still talks about how much he
liked it,” said his adoption worker.
He loves animals and recently had the opportunity to work with and care for horses.
“A family with pets would be great for Jacob!” his worker said.
Jacob’s adoption workers believe that a two-parent adoptive family, where Jacob would be the only
child, would be the ideal situation – though a family with an older brother would also be workable.
“Jacob needs lots of love, time and attention,” his adoption worker said. “He needs a family that will advocate for his educational needs and be able to help him to complete his schoolwork and stay on track. Positive reinforcement is key.”
She adds, “Jacob is having many school improvements, which is building his self-esteem and
confidence.”
“Jacob would also benefit from a mentor,” his adoption worker said, “someone who’d call him, visit him
regularly and share special activities with him.”
HOPES TO VISIT LEGOLAND
The twelve-year-old has many dreams, wishes and goals.
“If I could visit one place on earth,” Jacob said, “it would be Legoland in California. I want to go there
because it’s ‘the most fun place in the world!’”
WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A COOK OR AN NFL PLAYER
Jacob, who says he would like to become a cook or an NFL player, is proud that he’s getting better at
reading and wants people to know that he is a loving person who likes to have fun.
“I’m hoping for a ‘forever family’ that is active, so we could go fishing and ride and build dirt bikes.
They’d listen to me and tell me I’m important. A family would be: a mom and dad, home, being happy,
love and caring,” he said.
For more information about adoption or mentoring, contact Orchards Children’s Services of Southfield
at 855-694-7301 or visit www.orchards.org.