Melissa, 16, is an insightful, forthcoming person who is able to make good choices. She is intelligent, caring, thoughtful and spiritual. She has a realistic view of the world and is able to adapt to new environments.

This teenager is very friendly and likes to socialize. She is good with animals and is placed with a young child in the home. She belongs to a gym and likes to keep in shape. She loves clothes and likes to shop. She responds well to structure and clear expectations.

A sophomore in high school, Melissa is doing very well in her classes and requires no special services. She enjoys attending church and being part of a church community. She wants to be involved in a church choir and youth group.

Melissa believes that one of her greatest strengths is being a good support person. She knows what it feels like not to have that. She is a committed and loving friend. She is a good listener, and she is fair and kind.

Melissa wants and needs a family who will be there for her as she gets older. She plans to attend college and would like a family to support her emotionally in this. She states she would like the children she has someday to have grandparents. She is looking for stability in her life and needs someone to claim her as family.

Melissa needs a permanent family and would be a great addition to a home where the family is ready to accept and love her unconditionally.

Melissa will be provided with MaineCare and is eligible for a tuition waiver in the state for college. An adoption subsidy is available for the most appropriate family.

Melissa is one of the 155 children in the state 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 DHHS to find foster and adoptive families for Maine children in care.

For information about Melissa 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.”