John, 10, is an energetic, humorous young man with a nice smile, light brown hair and expressive brown eyes. A boy with high energy and a high level of curiosity, John is a good conversationalist and responds well to praise.

John loves to help with chores and is known as a good little worker. John says he would like to live in the country, maybe on a farm. He loves the outdoors and likes animals, bugs, snakes and chickens.

He likes to go fishing and camping.

Other activities he enjoys include riding his bicycle and playing board games, especially the kind that offer lots of opportunities for individual attention.

John is a healthy child and likes school. He is in the fourth grade. He sometimes gets distracted and currently has an aide in school to help him stay on task.

He is working on developing a positive self-image.

John would do well in a home where family members are nurturing, supportive and can provide good structure. Parents will need to be involved with the school system so that all efforts with John will be consistent. Adoptive parents should have the time and energy to spend on one-on-one activities with John.

A sense of humor and an ability to appreciate small steps taken toward mastering a goal are desired qualities in prospective parents. John would do well in a home with no other children or older children.

Subsidy may be available for the most appropriate family. Those approved adoptive families interested in John are asked to forward their home studies to Eleanor Adams, Adoption Caseworker, Department of Human Services, 35 Anthony Avenue, Augusta 04333 or call, (207) 624-8222. The toll-free number is (800) 452-1926.