Sporty, perky, bubbly, zippy, peppy represent just a few of the adjectives that apply to Lela. “Active” seems quite trite because Lela engages in so many activities. “Lela is involved in track at school and enjoys participating in athletics,” explains one of her close adults. She likes cheerleading, dancing and skating, especially with friends. Lela likes shopping and cooking, and she enjoys writing and listening to music. She loves playing video games and dreams of owning an iPhone, an iPad and an Apple laptop. On the weekends and after school, Lela enjoys spending time with friends, and she likes going to the mall with them.

On her list of favorite things, Lela includes seafood and pizza for food, pink and sky blue for color and Yorkies and Shih Tzus for animals. Her favorite subject in school is social studies. Lela says she loves all holidays and enjoys celebrating them by “being with friends and family and buying gifts for them.” She dreams of becoming a detective as well as visiting Houston “because it seems like fun.” Of all the dreams Lela has, nothing seems to top having a family. “She really wants a mom,” says one of Lela’s close adults. Lela says she looks forward to “having an awesome mother/daughter bond.” Most of all, she just wants to share time and memories with her new family.

“I’m giving, and I’m a good kid,” says Lela when asked to describe herself. One of her close adults adds, “Lela is funny, a ‘people person’ who’s outgoing and yet shy. Lela is a smart, deep-feeling teen who is creative and who wants to connect with supportive people. Lela is such a wonderful young girl. She has so much love in her heart after experiencing so much hardship, which truly speaks to her resiliency and compassion.”

Lela needs a parent or parents who are experienced and trauma informed. Her new family must make sure Lela receives any support services that will benefit her. They must be open to letting Lela maintain her sibling relationships. If there are other children in the home, Lela prefers to be the oldest. Her new parent or parents should be patient, understanding and nurturing.