DeVounte
Age: 12
Devounte, who likes his nicknames D and DJ, is very bright and friendly, expressing himself easily and clearly, but choosing to be on the quiet side most of the time. He is hoping someday for a calm, neat, safe and secure adoptive family similar to the foster home where he lives now. He is living with his foster mom in a quiet suburban neighborhood, and he says he likes the uncluttered, clean surroundings there. They have fun there, too. In summer they cook barbequed chicken on the grill. D likes backyard picnics, and helps out sometimes by doing the dishes. In school DJ is in specialized sixth grade classes where he is learning strategies to get through a difficult day. In academics he enjoys math and language arts the best.
Although DJ likes outdoor soccer, basketball, and football, and riding his bike, he gravitates to indoor screen time, reading, movies, Guitar Hero games, his big model plane, and video games. In cold or rainy weather he likes being an indoor guy. If he ever got the chance to travel and see more of the world, he would like a trip to Pittsburgh to see a Steelers football game, or to Miami, to watch LaBron James and the Miami Heat play basketball. In an adoptive family, with regular school and sports programs, he might want to try joining a baseball or soccer team.
Devounte imagines growing up, going to college maybe, and then becoming either a chef or a really famous baseball player. He thinks that making lasagna might be the culinary specialty of Chef DJ someday, or, if he should earn the chance, being a second baseman or an outfielder would be great. He really admires his language arts teacher at school, too, but he thinks that becoming a teacher would require him to talk too much, and he doesn't picture himself talking for a living. He earned advanced placement in his language arts class. He says his favorite book and movie is the classic Chronicles of Narnia. It follows a boy's mythical, dangerous adventures in a magical place with heroes, strange creatures, and a powerful, wise, all-knowing lion.
DJ likes furry pets, hamsters and rabbits, or dogs that are easy-going and friendly. He also enjoys doing all kinds of art and drawing with colored pencils. In school now he is learning to do line drawings in one continuous line, not taking his pencil off the paper. He's working on a drawing of a humvee in military camouflage colors in pencil and oil pastel chalk for his art assignment. He can't imagine himself serving in a real military humvee, though, he says, for safety reasons. Although he likes quiet time, he's wanted to try a set of drums, for some not-so-quiet music. He'd like to try them out. It could be more fun than his musical guitar game.
Devounte has had some real challenges early on in life, but now is making significant progress overcoming each difficulty and preparing for a hopeful new life. He has three brothers that he wants to keep in touch with. He says he likes an enjoyable, caring, sharing, neat, clean and calm family. They will need to be patient, too. DJ says his ideal adoptive home could be located anywhere, city or country, but he adds one last thought, "as long as it's a peaceful place."
Is Devounte describing your home or family? Take a moment to call. You can check to see if DJ might be the right son for you.
