Like a lot of teens doing remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Julio misses the classroom. Well, at least the other students in the classroom.

“He does not like virtual school,” chuckles John Hicks, a child specific adoption recruiter with Aid to Adoption of Special Kids (AASK). “He misses the social aspects.”

The soft-spoken high school freshman is doing okay academically, despite a late start because he was frequently held out of school before entering foster care. Catching up show that Julio is smart and resilient,  Mr. Hicks says.

Unlike many teens, Julio would rather play outside than play video games. The athletic 14-year-old loves playing baseball and soccer. He also loves outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.

That means Julio would thrive under the guidance of an active set of adoptive parents who could take to the trails with him. Julio needs parents who are patient and nurturing, Mr. Hicks says.

“Ideally, his forever family would be people who have been through foster care or adoption and understand the cycles these kids go through,” Mr. Hicks says.

For more information on children eligible for adoption, call Aid to Adoption of Special Kids (AASK) at 602-930-4900, or visit www.aask-az.org.

Editor's note: Mr. Williams  was a family resource development specialist  at
AASK - Aid to Adoption of Special Kids. AASK will be submitting articles regularly to the Daily Independent at YourValley.net in hopes to find children forever families.