Wednesday’s Child: Carter needs one-on-one time with family

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – At Scales and Tales in West Valley City, 12-year-old Carter is in reptile heaven. Carter loves crocodiles, turtles and lizards, but if there is one creature he loves the most it’s the snakes.

“I want to have a snake,” he said.

Carter is always up for an adventure, which is why visiting Scales and Tales was at the top of his list.

“He loves to try new things, he’s very eager to learn and found out new things,” said Stacy Littlewood, Carter’s youth connections advocate at Raise the Future.

Carter has lived in foster care for about four years. Littlewood says the one-on-one attention he received with reptile specialist John Diliberto is very special to him.

“He loves one-on-one adult attention where he can interact, engage and learn more and share what he knows, he’s a very smart kid, and he’s fun,” said Littlewood.

While Carter loves handling reptiles, what he wants to be when he grows up is a scientist.

“A chemist,” he said. “I like to test chemical reactions.”

Before he gets to that, Carter wants to find a forever family, but that has been challenging. “I’ve been trying for a while, it’s just hard, too hard,” he said.

Four years is a long time to live in foster care, but Carter hasn’t given up hope that the right family is waiting for him.

Littlewood says Carter would thrive in a family that is patient and understands autism.

“He has a big team around him that love and care about him and want the best for him and we’re willing to help whoever comes into his life and make it the best for Carter,” she said.

Carter is brave and he has a big heart. Now he just needs a family that will be brave and share their heart with him.

To learn more about Carter please contact Raise the Future at 801-265-0444 or visit Raisethefuture.org.