4Ever Family: Avarie, Andrew, Jesse, Billy & Joe

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Every week, CBS 4 works to find a forever home for a Rio Grande Valley foster child as part of our “4Ever Family” partnership with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

A sibling group of five children is waiting to be matched to their forever parents.

Five-year-old Avarie is the youngest of the children. She loves to play, color, count, have tea parties, and watch Disney movies with her family. Her favorite Disney princess is Ariel from The Little Mermaid.

Six-year-old Andrew is a loving and caring child and enjoys being accompanied while watching television. He also loves it when someone reads to him, especially if the story's topic involves firefighters.

Andrew wants to be a firefighter when he grows up. He loves to participate in group activities with his siblings and other children. He enjoys helping around the house and carrying items for his caregivers.

His favorite show is Paw Patrol and his favorite character is Chase.

Eight-year-old Jesse is an energetic person, who loves to engage in meaningful conversations with his peers, siblings, teachers and caregivers. He enjoys making others laugh and loves to interact with others.

Ten-year-old Billy is a loving and caring person, who would do anything to help others. He loves to talk to his peers, siblings, teachers and caregivers. He also enjoys playing video games, playing in the park and making others laugh.

He also enjoys outdoor activities such as going to museums, amusement parks, fishing trips and camping.

Tweleve-year-old Joe is the oldest brother. He loves to entertain his younger brothers and sister. Joe is a responsible child and loves to keep a clean and tidy room.

Joe has a sense of responsibility and likes to feel important. He is currently learning how to play the electric piano.

If you think you could be forever family for this sibling group, or for another Texas child, call 1-800-233-3405. For more information visit www.adoptchildren.org where you can find a schedule of online public information meetings, and learn about the foster/adoption program.

You can also view the NEW www.heartgallerystx.org website, where South Texas children have their portraits and personal stories they wish to share with their future forever family.

Basic Adoption Requirements

The prospective foster/adoptive parents may be single or married and must:

• be at least 21 years of age, financially stable, and responsible mature adults
• complete an application (staff will assist you if you prefer)
• share information regarding their background and lifestyle
• provide relative and non-relative references
• show proof of marriage and/or divorce (if applicable)
• agree to a home study which includes visits with all household members
• allow staff to complete a criminal history background check and an abuse/neglect check on all adults in the household
• attend free training to learn about issues of abused and neglected children