Alonte, 12, is waiting to be adopted. His wish is to have an older brother who will show him how to do things. And he'd like a mother and father who would come to watch his team play basketball.
Alonte receives therapy for the abuse and neglect in his background. He will continue to need counseling after adoption, and his entire family will be asked to be supportive and involved.
He's in fifth grade and gets help with reading. He likes math, science, gym and recess best.
One of his hobbies is drawing. He has invented cartoon characters like the comic-book heroes he reads about.
Walking and feeding the family dog are chores he enjoys, and he swims in a pool and at day camp, does arts and crafts (such as making a cabin from Popsicle sticks), roller-skates at the rink, and rides his bike.
He also likes attending church and Bible school, playing video games, and going on the swings, slides and climbing bars at the park.
Alonte is eligible for financial subsidy. He should be allowed to maintain contact with his siblings.
This child and others are available for adoption by approved applicants. The process usually takes two to 12 months. For information, write to: National Adoption Center, 1500 Walnut St., Philadelphia 19102; call 215-735-9988; or visit the Web site at http://www.adopt.org.
