To learn about adopting these children or others in foster care, email Volunteers of America or call (504)835-3005.

Shant'ira Shant'ira was born in 1999 and is bubbly and outgoing. She enjoys coloring, reading, and being photographed.  Shant'ira is in good health and regular grade placement. She receives counseling to help her adjust to a hurtful past.  A family for Shant'Ira will need to have good support systems and patient, strong advocates who are willing to address her special needs and redirect her behaviors.  Shant'Ira has four siblings and  she lives in the same home with one sister.  Her adoptive family should be willing to allow her to stay in contact with her siblings. Shant'Ira is a wonderful child waiting to be part of a loving, committed family.

Denzel Attractive with a handsome smile, Denzel was born in 1994. In regular grade placement, he loves school and works hard despite emotional challenges that require an individualized educational setting. With tutoring he is making steady progress. Denzel loves the outdoors, riding his bike, fishing and remote control cars. He takes medication and participates in therapy to help with some emotional problems.  Denzel’s sister Geneva, below, is also seeking a forever family.

	Crystal Born in 1993, Crystal is friendly yet quiet and shy. In regular grade placement with special education services, she has some difficulty with school work. She is in good health, athletic and enjoys softball and camping.  She likes hamburgers and pizza. Crystal is in therapy to help her work through past issues and takes medication for a diagnosis of depression.

	April Born in 1993, April is attractive, enjoys music and has a remarkable singing talent. In regular grade placement, she earns average to above average grades. She enjoys being around others, has a playful personality and hopes to become a cheerleader. April needs a firm, consistent family who is also understanding, patient and nurturing.

Antwon Antwon was born in 1995 and is a friendly, healthy, energetic bi-racial youth. He loves outdoor activities. In a structured setting to help  overcome issues relating to his family and managing anger, he is in regular grade placement with special education due to emotional disturbance. He takes medication for attention deficit hyperactive disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. He looks forward to a permanent loving family.

Morris Morris was born in 1994 and is bright, excels in math and found the LEAP test easy! He enjoys playing and watching football and wants to be a running back.  His many disappointments make it hard for him to get close to others.  Morris works on behavioral and emotional issues in therapy at a structured setting. He needs an adoptive family who will set limits and explain boundaries but who also needs to be understanding, loving, energetic and up to challenges.

J'Mill  J'Mill is a affectionate two year old child who loves to be cuddled and kissed. Although J'Mill was born with severe physical and development a disabilities he is a very happy toddler. He loves music and enjoys listening to his musical toys. J'Mill loves to have people around him and giving him attention. In addition, J'Mill has a healthy appetite and looks forward to his bottle. He receives physical, occupational and speech therapy to assist him with his medical challenges. J'Mill needs an embracing adoptive family who is active, supportive and who can love him unconditionally to continue the on-going medical services he will require into adulthood.

Leslie  Leslie is 16 and enjoys doing typical teenage girl activities such as shopping, reading and talking on the telephone. Other activities that spark Leslie' interest include basketball, football, and volleyball. She is in the eighth grade and her favorite subject is Math. Leslie has faced some difficult issues in her childhood and is participating in therapy to help her understand her past and current feelings. She responds well to praise and is able to acknowledge where she needs work and does her best to make changes. Her ideal family will provide her with much support and encouragement as she works to achieve her goal of becoming a cosmetologist.

Erica  Erica is a happy 10-year-old girl with a magnetic personality. She is in regular grade placement and enjoys school. Erica is helpful around the house, and likes to watch television, dance, color, and read. The adoptive family for Erica must be strong advocates and willing to address her needs. Erica recevies counseling to address her hurtful past. She would excel in a single or two-parent home with or without children and needs a family that is patient, compassionate, and direct. Erica is part of a sibling group and the adoptive family should allow her to have contact with her four siblings.

Laronyea  Laronyea is a charming and friendly child who would be a welcomed addition for a family. She is nine years old and very sociable. Laronyea loves school and her favorite subjects are math, reading and physical education. She enjoys video games, especially Barbie and Hello Kitty. Laronyea loves to play with dolls, especially Barbie and Baby Annabel. She loves candy, especially strawberry suckers and peppermints. Halloween and Christmas are her favorite holidays, and she really enjoys the sweet treats that come with them. Laronyea's ideal family will let her have a pet dog, baby dolls, and will take her on fun outings to the water slide.

Lawrence  Born in 1997, Lawrence is a cheerful and energetic child who is in regular grade placement. He is cooperative and enjoys helping with the lawn and some household chores. Lawrence responds well when redirection is needed and will do well with an adoptive family who can provide guidance and supervision as well as be strong advocates for his special needs. Lawrence is presently in therapy to address issues regarding his hurtful past and some behavioral challenges. He would prosper in a single or two-parent family with no children or older children. Lawrence wants a family who would also be willing to allow him to have contact with his four siblings.