Ericka is waiting in foster care for a family to adopt her.

Ericka is 12 years old. Here's what she'd like you to know about her.

My favorite things:
Animals, the outdoors, and dolls.

Activities I enjoy:
Working in the garden, playing in the river, riding my bike, just being outdoors...playing with animals, helping in the kitchen, playing hair salon/make up/dress up, watching TV, and helping out around the house.

Things I don't like:
Homework, school, spending a lot of time alone, a chaotic environment, the unexpected, inconsistency, lack of structure, being asked to do something that is challenging for me, and having to leave my primary caregiver to go to respite.

What I want in a family:
A mother and a father. I'd probably do better with no other children. A farm would be ideal. I love animals (dogs, cats, cows, horses, etc). A house with a large back yard that is by a river or water would be enjoyable. I love to play outside.

What we want families to know about Ericka:
Ericka is an amazing child who has overcome a great deal in her short life. She loves to be outdoors and around animals. She can be very helpful around the house if you help her with the task at hand. She has an incredible personality and is always looking to please those around her. She is caring towards others and wants those around her to be happy.

What we are seeking in a family for Ericka:
Ericka will do best in a structured, consistent, calm, and loving environment where she can build trust, feel safe, and know that she is loved.

She needs two parents who can maintain appropriate and consistent boundaries, structure, support, and supervision. Routine is very important to Ericka. She needs to be given time to process things at her own pace.

Her ideal parents enjoy the outdoors and spend their weekends doing a variety of activities. They are knowledgeable about trauma and attachment issues and skilled at addressing emotional/behavioral issues.

If you are interested in opening your home to her, please send a copy of your homestudy or Vermont foster care license to:

Julie Lamare
Project Family at DCF
63 Professional Drive, Suite 3
Morrisville, VT 05661-8522
Julie.Lamare@ahs.state.vt.us