Meet the children behind the cause. Learn their hopes, interests, and how you can be the one who gives them a forever family.

FEATURED PROFILES

The Featured Child Profiles are representative profiles of children in foster care (2 males, 2 females) that reflect trends and realities across the U.S. foster care system. These are not meant to stereotype or generalize, but to serve as archetypes based on common characteristics seen in national data and casework insights.

Meet Malik
Malik
Meet Ariana
Ariana
Meet Jayden
Jayden
Meet Sophia
Sophia

Sample Profile

MALIK

Background:

  • Removed due to parental neglect tied to substance use and housing instability
  • Has been in 3 placements within 18 months
  • No contact with birth father; mother in outpatient recovery
  • Currently in a pre-adoptive foster home

Personality & Traits:

  • Energetic and loves to stay active
  • Sometimes impulsive but not defiant
  • Builds strong bonds with male caregivers
  • Very empathetic toward animals and younger children
  • Needs clear boundaries and praise-based feedback

Likes:

  • Philadelphia Eagles (knows all the players)
  • Basketball at the local rec center
  • Math games and puzzles
  • Music – especially rap and old-school hip-hop
  • Favorite food: soft pretzels and cheesesteaks

Dislikes:

  • Being singled out in class
  • Sudden changes in routine
  • Feeling misunderstood or “labeled”
  • Loud arguments (can trigger shutdown behavior)

Current Needs in Pennsylvania Context:

  • Foster family familiar with urban youth and trauma care
  • Access to after-school mentorship programs (e.g., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Philly)
  • Academic IEP support through the Philadelphia School District
  • Trauma-informed mental health services (through agencies like Turning Points for Children)
  • Cultural representation and male role modeling.

Malik’s Full Story

See All Of The Profiles

  • Malik's Profile