Brianna, 8, and Kendra, 7, are highly social, inquisitive, polite and intelligent young girls who are academically successful.

Brianna likes puzzles, crafts and art, and she loves to draw. Brianna is energetic, and participating in cross-country after school helps her expend her energy so that she is better able to follow directions and rules. She enjoys being read to, and she appreciates the care she receives in her current foster home.

Brianna’s early childhood experiences have a significant impact on her behavior and sense of safety in the world. She often demands a lot of attention, and shifts in her mood can be frequent and challenging. Brianna responds well to adults who show her a commitment to maintaining her personal safety and who provide her with a consistent routine.

Kendra also is a very energetic girl. She loves to hang upside down on her swing set and dance. Ballet is her favorite type of dance. Kendra loves to read, and her reading skills are well beyond her grade level.

Kendra’s moods and behavior also are significantly affected by her early childhood experiences. Her behavior is often impulsive. Setting concrete limits and providing a predictable routine assists Kendra with maintaining her concentration and reduces her anxiety.

Brianna and Kendra are sisters who care a great deal for each other and have a deep bond. Each is sensitive to the moods and feelings of the other. They also have a complicated and difficult relationship due to their history of abuse. They will benefit from joint therapy to strengthen their positive relationship.

Brianna and Kendra would prefer to be adopted by a two-parent couple who are nonsmokers and have pets. They are seeking parents who will provide them with structure, stability, predictability and consistency. Families who are willing to receive outside support at a minimum and ideally who are willing to participate with in-home support during the children’s transition to adoption are sought.

Prospective adoptive parents for Brianna and Kendra will need to be able to be empathetic and nurturing while maintaining strict and unwavering limits. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a secure and proven relationship with each other and will be of an age and health status to enable them to devote a great deal of energy to these two very active little girls. An adoption subsidy is available for the most appropriate family.

Kendra and Brianna are two of 179 children in Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ care who are seeking an adoptive family. Based in Gardiner, A Family for ME is a nonprofit program that works in collaboration with Maine DHHS to find foster and adoptive families for Maine children in care.

For information about Kendra and Brianna or other children available for adoption, contact A Family for ME toll-free at (877) 505-0545 or visit www.AFamily

ForMe.org and see the Heart Gallery of photographs of some of the many children awaiting a “forever family.”