Photolisting Profile for Ramon

Ramon is a 10-year-old boy from Oregon who is hoping to be adopted.

This Native-American, dynamic-duo has shown resiliency, through their relationship with each other, and their ability to maintain their loving, affectionate personalities. Ramon & Nyla have been in foster care 4 ½ years and have had to learn how to channel their emotions into healthy activities. Their Native-American Tribe has approved adoption to a non-native family; however ties to the Tribe and a great grandmother will need to be respected and maintained.

Both children enjoy camping and playing in the great outdoors. Ramon likes catching newts and building houses for them. He also enjoys playing all sports, particularly football (tackle) and wrestling. He is naturally inclined and very good at everything he sets his mind to, while Nyla prefers swimming or dancing and other “girlie” things. Both children are at grade level and do well in school. They are both physically healthy and developmentally on track; neither take medication.

The children had experienced instability, neglect, domestic violence and were exposed to the drug culture of Methamphetamine. When they came into care in 2005, they began to learn healthy ways to express their anger, hurt feelings and confusion, through structured activities, consistent boundary setting and counseling. Ramon & Nyla have made great strides in coping with their loss and trauma, but will continue to need support and guidance from their adoptive family.

Ramon no longer cries all the time or has nightmares, but his controlling behavior is still an issue. His aggression toward other children (of any age) is now more directed through football and wrestling, but he continues to need re-direction for being too aggressive with others. Ramon has always been very protective of his little sister and he’s appropriate in his interactions with her. When he’s not worried about Nyla and where they will live next, Ramon plays. He loves animals of all kinds, watches the “Animal Planet” every chance he gets, and hopes to be a Jockey (if he doesn’t get too tall or too big)

Nyla no longer takes her clothes off in inappropriate ways but continues to need diligent supervision and does not share a bedroom. Nyla loves “Hannah Montana,” cuddling, and making others laugh. Her laugh is infectious and soon you will be laughing with her. Both children respond well to earning privileges by behaving and following the rules, though sometimes they have to be re-directed or “timed out,” if their emotions get the best of them.

Both children are very bright; they know how to read adult cues, push emotional buttons and can manipulate adults and children, alike. They can also be very critical of others, making true but cutting and judgmental remarks. But their affectionate nature, empathy toward others, and kindness toward animals reveals what’s beneath their coping behaviors: two loving, inquisitive children needing to be just kids.

The children have had 4 placements since 2005, and need an adoptive resource, who can maintain clear boundaries, consistent supervision, and a willingness to delay their own emotional gratification, while the children take the time to attach and bond to their new family. Ramon & Nyla will do best in a family with older children and access to structured activities. Patience will be required to deal with alternating displays of affection & hugs and challenging or critical behavior. Ramon, in particular needs a strong, healthy male role model, who will actively participate in sports and other outdoor activities with him.

With the right family, who will commit to these children and provide love, stability and structure, Ramon & Nyla are expected to attach and bond to their forever family, and allow their true nature and loving personalities to fully emerge.

Photo(s) Courtesy of www.afamilyforeverychild.org

Siblings

Nyla (6)