When it comes to the qualities he would like to have in an adoptive family, 7-year-old Troy is quite succinct.

“I want a mom to love me and a dad to play football with me,” he said, recently.

Troy also likes to ride his bicycle, play baseball and soccer and spend time at the local playground. He participates in Cub Scouts and likes to play video games, especially Power Rangers.

Troy and his older brother have been in the care of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services since January 2001, when they came into care because of abuse and exposure to domestic violence.

Troy would like to find a “forever home” with a mother and a father. While he would prefer to be an only child, he also is open to the idea of a family with a child older than he is. Troy is making significant gains at his therapeutic home with regard to boundary issues. He attends therapy regularly, where he is working hard to address his abuse history.

Currently in the first grade, Troy works hard at school. He can become overwhelmed when faced with difficult tasks and may act impulsively and or exhibit disruptive behavior. Troy responds best when working with adults in a one-on-one situation and responds well to positive reinforcement.

Troy needs a home that will provide him with structure, consistent limits, stability, nurturing and positive reinforcement. It will be important for an adoptive family to respond to Troy’s behavior calmly and supportively.

Troy has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and takes medication for impulse control and behavior. Troy can be and often is a very loveable, outgoing and fun child. He likes to be in control of his environment. When faced with a new, unfamiliar activity, Troy prefers to have someone else try the activity before him so he can see how it is done.

For more information about Troy or the 229 other Maine children seeking an adoptive home, please contact A Family For ME at 1-877-505-0545 or visit www.AfamilyForME.org.