A special request

I am employed with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Connecticut. My role at DCF is to complete specialized recruitment for adoptive families regarding specific children with medically complex issues. I am currently working with Yolanda, a tall child who is diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome. I have included some information about Yolanda for your review.

Yolanda is a beautiful African American girl born in the Spring of 1992. She is a vivacious adolescent who has big brown eyes that twinkle when she smiles. Her sense of humor will make those around her smile right along with her. Yolanda dreams of becoming part of a happy family and is ready to move on in her adoption journey.

Yolanda loves sports and occasionally struggles with the limitations her physical disability places on her activity; however, she fulfills her desire to be involved in sports by remaining active in sports-related events. She enjoys watching sporting events at her school as well as college and professional sporting events. Nothing gets in the way of Yolanda having fun, being involved and participating at her best! Yolanda's family will easily be able to become educated by medical providers to learn about her needs as well as to encourage her to engage in healthy, safe exercise, good eating habits and medication management.

Yolanda is considered to be a social butterfly who especially enjoys school. She comfortably develops positive relationships with peers and adults and is considered to be a dedicated friend. She gets along well with the other students and enjoys individual time with adults. Yolanda is a kind and considerate young woman who is polite. As with any typical teenager, Yolanda may at times struggle with expressing herself verbally and she effectively uses music to calm herself during conflict or crisis. She is a big fan of Mariah Carey's music.

Yolanda will make a wonderful addition to a family who can offer her loving support & encouragement. A sense of belonging will give Yolanda all the security she needs to progress and flourish into a successful young woman!!

I am eager to discuss with you how we may be able to collaborate in relation to recruitment to find an adoptive family for Yolanda. Perhaps a story about Yolanda in a local newsletter or on your web-site; or an information booth about adoption at a local event would help educate people about Yolanda's need for an adoptive family. I appreciate your consideration in any collaboration and look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

Katie Churchill
Dept. of Children and Families
Phone: 860-550-6307
katie.churchill@po.state.ct.us