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Adoptive Parents
Jazmine I.
 Jazmine’s talkative, extroverted personality shines when she is among friends, or in a setting that she perceives to be safe. It is then that one is able to learn about her interests that include dancing, singing, playing cards, going shopping and just having fun. She is not involved in organized sports, but will quickly join other neighborhood children for a game of tackle football or dodge ball.
Jazmine's early childhood was not the idyllic, innocent time that all children should experience, but was one of child abuse and negligent care by a parent who meant well, but did not have the skills for effective parenting. Even so, Jazmine was able to form a strong attachment – one that was affected when she was removed. That trauma, compounded by numerous foster care placements, has made her determined to be self-reliant and to have some control over her life, behaviors that are typical of any teenager, but which have been reinforced by her experiences.
Jazmine likes going to school which is evident in her aspiration is to become a teacher. Her teacher reports that she learns best through hands-on activities and repetition, noting her strengths in the areas of being willing to try, and in volunteering to help the staff.
Jazmine needs an adoptive family who will commit to parenting a youth who has been in foster care for most of her life. She would benefit from having caretakers who set clear boundaries and expectations regarding acceptable behaviors. They must be able to encourage open expression of feelings, and be conscious and complimentary when they are appropriately expressed.
In essence, the right family for Jazmine would be one that assumes the role of facilitating communication and coping skills rather than of being harsh disciplinarians. Jazmine desperately needs a family who will recognize the inner fragility that’s protected within, while helping her to blossom into the wonderful young woman that she truly is.
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