Monday’s Child: A 9-year-old who loves to learn new things

Hanna is an adorable 9-year-old. Very smart, artistic and friendly, she enjoys being active. She is eager to learn new things and looks forward to going to school, where she benefits from special-education services.

Hanna has endured a great amount of trauma in her young life and her experiences have left her confused and angry. However, she is also very resilient and tenacious in her desire to learn. To reach her potential, Hanna needs the unconditional love, support, and consistency of a permanent family. She hopes for a family that will understand her struggles and want to help her achieve a happy life. She is eligible for financial and medical assistance.

Often people think of babies when they hear the word "adoption." There are, however, relatively few infants in the foster-care system awaiting permanent homes. Most are school-aged; many have physical, emotional and/or mental challenges.

Adoptive parents do not need to have a specific income and they do not need to own their own homes. This kind of adoption is virtually free and many of the children are eligible for financial subsidy.

Hanna and other children are available for adoption by approved applicants. For a free information packet, contact the National Adoption Center, 1500 Walnut St., Suite 701, Philadelphia 19102. Call 215-735-9988, or visit www.adopt.org