Finding a Home for a Brother and a Sister

I received an email a couple of days ago which informed me of a current adoption situation here in Salt Lake. I received a second email yesterday from our attorney about the same case, so I am passing along this information in hopes of helping these two little ones find a good home. If you know of anyone who might be interested or would want more information, please leave a comment and I will get in contact with you. Thanks!!



"These (two Ethiopian siblings) were adopted by parents in Salt Lake City. There are a variety of reasons why this is now disrupting. The adoptive parents are willing to voluntarily relinquish their parental rights in order to cooperate with the adoption of the children by another family.

(We have) the following information about these children:

Miheret is ten years old. (Her Ethiopian birth certificate says ten, though we think she’s closer to twelve). She speaks and understands English very well. She’s a smart, affectionate, energetic girl who is full of life and energy. She loves to do anything outdoors: riding her bike and scooter, playing basketball, soccer, jumping on the trampoline, and running. She’s very good at watching out for her younger brother, and making sure he’s well taken care of. She needs a chance to have fun and be a kid, as she’s always had to take on the mother role. Miheret has issues with attachment, such as being manipulative if she thinks it will get her what she wants, trying to triangulate parents, and forming superficial bonds with people she thinks will give her things. She is strong-willed, and can be aggressive if she doesn’t get what she wants. Experienced adoptive parents knowledgeable in areas of attachment and experienced with parenting older adoptive children are ideal. Miheret loves to dance and sing, and is quite talented in both areas. She’s good at helping out around the house. Sometimes she complains when reminded about chores, like most ten year olds. But once she gets going, she does a great job.

Yitbarek is seven years old. He also speaks and understands English very well. He’s a handsome, sweet, affectionate, energetic boy with an impish grin and laugh. He’s mischievous, and loves to make others laugh. He loves to help out around the house—often without being asked. And he loves to give and receive affection. Like his sister, he loves to do almost anything outside: play soccer, play basketball, ride his bike, jump on the trampoline—you name it. He’s also very smart. He is making great strides in reading English. He’s good at math and writing, and his penmanship is amazing for a seven year old. He loves to sing and dance, and has a great, natural rhythm for being so young. Like his sister, Yitbarek is strong-willed. If he doesn’t get his way, he can get angry, and be aggressive. Again, patient parents who are experienced in parenting older adoptive children—children who’ve dealt with attachment and trauma—are ideal. Once Yitbarek can learn more effective ways to deal with and express his anger, he will thrive. He loves to color, he loves to have stories read to him, and he gives great hugs.

We would prefer to place both children together with the right home studied family. But we will also consider placing them separately, under the right circumstances (for example, if visitation between the two families can be arranged, so the children can remain in contact).

Again, if you or anyone you might know is interested in finding out more about these two adorable kids, please let me know.