Christopher, 15, has wonderful, bright red hair and freckles. He seems like a shy and quiet boy upon first meeting, but he opens up once engaged in something he enjoys and is considered friendly.

Christopher is intrigued with science fiction and believes in the possibility of aliens and the supernatural. He loves to read. He is a strong reader and is able to read quickly. Christopher enjoys reading books that allow him to escape into the fantasy world of science fiction.

His well-developed verbal skills and capacity for fantasy are viewed as assets. With assistance in counseling, Christopher’s interest in science fiction can be utilized to develop therapeutic metaphors and stories that strengthen his self-image and clarify confusing emotions and issues.

Christopher’s other interests include playing video games on his PlayStation 2 and playing with animals.

Christopher has enjoyed being a member of his current foster family. He has experienced many successes in this placement, and feeling safe and secure has allowed him to let go of some of his previous problematic behaviors.

This teen will benefit greatly from the permanency of being adopted by a family who is able to support him as he continues to process his past traumatic experiences and integrate new learning strategies and coping skills. Christopher has shown improvements in verbalizing his needs and wants. He enjoys attending church and listening to the music that is played there.

Christopher visits with his birth sister once a week. He remains in contact through phone calls and letters with two other birth siblings who have been adopted. Continued contact between these siblings will be important for Christopher throughout his life.

An adoption subsidy is available for the most appropriate family. Christopher is one of 155 children in the Maine Department of Health and Human Service’s 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 Christopher or other children available for adoption, please contact A Family for ME toll free at (877) 505-0545, or visit www.AFamilyForMe.org and see the Heart Gallery of photographs of some of the many children awaiting a “forever family.”