Oliver

Oliver is five. He doesn't talk much — not with people, at least. Early in his life, adult voices in his home were often loud and often angry. Quiet became his armor.

Oliver's current placement is with a family who runs a small nature-based care program. Chickens. A donkey named Clover. An old retriever who has decided Oliver is his person. Something in Oliver eased when he arrived here.

He is gentle. He carries eggs back to the kitchen like they are glass. He is starting to speak more — first to the animals, then to his foster brother, then, last week, to the kindergarten teacher on the first day of school.

Help take care of the animals for real, not just pretend. Start kindergarten and not be scared. Have a best friend the way the older kids do.

Animal-assisted therapy sessions. Outdoor program fees. Early learning support so his first classroom experience is a good one.