Kara is a beautiful 8-year-old with blond hair and hazel eyes. She has been diagnosed with autism and is in the special education program, where she receives assistance for academics and social and communication skills.

A happy child with a big smile, Kara is very coordinated and can ride a bike without training wheels. She loves to go to the playground and enjoys playing on the swings and the monkey bars.

Kara loves to dress up and enjoys jewelry. She likes to sing and dance. Kara often prefers to play by herself, but has begun to play games with her foster sisters or imitate what they are doing. Kara is very appealing and captivates everyone in her life.

Kara came into the care of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services in December 2002. She has been legally free for adoption since April 2003. Kara was in one previous foster home and has been in her present home since December 2003.

Kara has regular contact with her maternal grandparents and some maternal relatives. A prospective adoptive family must be open to maintaining these relationships. Kara’s current foster parents love her but have several other children and are unable to adopt her. They would like to remain in contact with Kara and her new adoptive family.

Kara is able to communicate her needs and basic emotions through behavior, gestures or simple words and sounds. Her speech has improved significantly, and she is now saying several words and is beginning to put phrases together. She hums and sings to herself.

Kara can become irritable or upset when she has to stop something she is doing and change to a new activity. Kara does best with consistency in her daily routine. She has no sense of danger and needs close supervision.

Kara would do well in either a two-parent or single-parent home with a strong support network. An adoptive family will need to accept Kara’s limitations, which will be lifelong, while still encouraging her to reach her full potential. She would do well in a home with other children.

Kara is one of 207 Maine children in Maine DHHS care who is seeking an adoptive family. For information about Kara or other children available for adoption, contact A Family for ME at (877) 505-0545 or visit www.afamilyforme.org.