Tripp from European Union

Tripp was born in August 2008 and has been diagnosed with grand mal epilepsy. After a hospitalization, however, it was determined that the condition does not require treatment and Tripp has not had a seizure since 2015. A calm and emotionally balanced boy, Tripp exhibits some developmental delays, especially in formal education, and has been working with a resource teacher at school. UPDATE JANUARY 2022: Tripp continues to be healthy and seizure-free. He is a diligent, motivated student who learns with interest and appreciates the support of his resource teacher. However, he still has significant academic gaps and works on skills typically acquired in the lower elementary grades. Tripp’s language development has progressed appreciably, and he easily communicates with adults and peers. Nonetheless, Tripp is not very confident and processes most of his experiences internally, remaining conflict aversive and emotionally immature. He is respectful and follows the rules in the foster home and at school. Tripp has many friends with whom he likes to play ball and other joint games. He also enjoys playing on his phone and going fishing. Tripp’s foster mother describes him as a caring, helpful, and loving boy who assists with chores and shows concern for her wellbeing. She is supportive of his adoption although Tripp himself has only an incomplete and somewhat fantastical understanding of the process and will need additional counseling to form more realistic expectations about the permanency and reality of international adoption. April 2021: Upon his placement into a dedicated and experienced foster family in March 2019, Tripp began to make noticeable progress in his development. Prior to this time, he lived with his grandmother in neglectful conditions. Despite large academic gaps, he is a motivated and diligent student who shows interest in his curricular work. Tripp initiates interactions with others and is able to communicate freely, although he does not always share his feelings and experiences. Tripp is conflict-averse, follows the rules at home and at school, and respects adults. He has many friends with whom he likes to play. Tripp is described as a kind-hearted boy who has an incomplete, but favorable, view of adoption.