Aid to Adoption of Special Kids (AASK)

For nearly 35 years, Aid to Adoption of Special Kids (AASK) has served kids and teens in Arizona’s foster care system by matching them with supportive, caring adults through foster care, adoption, and mentoring. AASK firmly believes relationships matter and that mantra leads to nearly 150 successful adoptions each year in addition to the nearly 800 youth placed with AASK foster families. With these adults and families by their side, children in foster care not only feel loved and supported, but their confidence also grows, giving them the power to dream big and imagine a bright future, often leading them to break the cycle of abuse, trauma, and neglect that leads to generations of foster care placements.

Two of the organization’s most unique programs are the kinship and mentoring programs. AASK’s kinship program focuses on families who are caring for a relative’s child – typically a grandparent caring for their grandchildren. These caregivers often unexpectedly but willingly take on the task of raising their relative’s children with little to no support from the state because they don’t know where to start when asking for help. Not only does AASK have a dedicated team that can provide one-on-one support for each of these families, but the organization also created an entire website dedicated to answering these their questions when it fits their schedule.

AASK’s unique mentoring program primarily serves youth ages 9 to 15 living in group homes. These kids and teens are particularly vulnerable to addiction, poverty, and unstable housing, often because they feel no one cares about them and that the only adults in their lives are the staff paid to care for them. The kids in the mentoring program are there because they have asked for an adult mentor who wants to spend time with them, get to know them, and have fun along the way. Like the kinship program, AASK has a dedicated team to provide support and answer questions.

Website: aask-az.org/donate

MEET MARTIN, WHO IS LOOKING FOR A HOME

Martin is a sweet 9-year-old boy with brown eyes and glowing smile! Martin lights up any room that he in with his happy energy. Martin is adventurous and would stay outside all day if allowed. He loves to play on the swing set, teeter totter, go on walks and to the park. Martin loves animals; he recently fed goats at an event and has never had a bigger smile. Get this young boy in a bounce house or to a trampoline park and he will bounce for hours! Indoor activities include playing with baby dolls, textured toys, and his tablet. Martin is described as sweet, active, affectionate, and a happy boy!

The best fit family for Martin is a two-parent home or a single parent with good supports in place. Martin will do well with other children in the home, but typically will play on his own. Martin needs a family that loves to be outdoors. Martin would love a big backyard with lots of room to run and play! It is believed Martin would do well with pets, but he has not had much experience. It is believed he may need direction on how interact with a pet. Martin can and will strive when he has the consistency, structure, love, affection, and attention that he needs and deserves.

For more information about Martin, please contact us at 602-930-4466 or via e-mail at csrinquiry@aask-az.org.

See more adoptable kids at aask-az.org/meetthekids

Pro kids. Pro bono.

The Center for the Rights of Abused Children is the only non-profit in Arizona giving free legal aid to abused, abandoned and neglected children to ensure they have the opportunity to live in safe, loving homes. Our pro bono Children’s Law Clinic is a lifeline for young children as well as young adults who have aged out of foster care and face adulthood alone Donate by April 18th and claim an Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit of up to $1,000 on your 2022 state taxes.

They can’t fight abuse. We can. | thecenterforchildren.org