A friendly, humorous teenager

A friendly and outgoing 16-year-old, Gerome has a great sense of humor and likes to make others laugh. He is intelligent and creative and he loves comics. "Whenever I read comics, especially Japanese comics, it motivates me to start my own cartoon," he says. Gerome loves cars and is thinking about a career as an engineer in the automotive industry.

Gerome can be a little shy when you meet him, but will open up after you talk with him awhile. He is enrolled in regular ninth-grade classes and gets along well with his teachers and classmates. Math and science are his favorite subjects.

"He is really optimistic about his future despite the difficulties he's had in his life," his social worker says. Gerome is also optimistic about finding a permanent home and has definite ideas about the kind of family he wants. He is looking for a mom and a dad who are very outgoing, who will respect him and be supportive of him. Gerome visits his two brothers every month and it is important that these visits continue. Gerome is eligible for financial subsidy.