Aurel, or Aury, as he prefers to be called, is a bright, energetic 10-year-old boy. He enjoys a variety of activities and enjoys having people around him to engage with.

Aury was born in Romania and is interested in seeing the world. He has traveled a lot to places such as Germany, throughout Canada and to the western United States.

Travel is an interest of Aury’s, as are dinosaurs and prehistoric times. He is naturally curious and interested in the world around him. He likes all things that are associated with science. He is interested in religion and will talk about his beliefs openly.

Aury aspires to be a doctor when he grows up. He enjoys nature and animals. Perhaps he will be a veterinarian. Aury likes to spend time outside swimming. This summer, he learned how to dive.

In school, Aury enjoys reading and being read to.

He learns best when things are taught to him orally, and he has great verbal skills. He is in a self-contained classroom during the school day to provide him the direct teaching he needs to be successful. He shows no negative behaviors in school, and his teachers indicate he is enjoyable to have in their class.

Aury’s peers and the professionals who work with him believe Aury is fun to be around. He has a great sense of humor and keeps people laughing. He adapts easily and is ready to connect with people. Aury is engaging in individual therapy and uses the time well to help him process things that are difficult for him. It is important for this therapy to continue.

The best family for Aury would be one that can provide him with consistency and encouragement. A patient family that has a good sense of humor and can roll with the punches would fit well with Aury’s personality. A family will have to be accepting of Aury’s limitations while encouraging him to reach his full potential.

An adoption subsidy may be available to the most appropriate family. Aury is one of the 155 children now 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 Maine DHHS to find foster and adoptive families for Maine children in care.

For information about Aury, or other children available for adoption, contact A Family for ME toll free at (877) 505-0545, or visit www.AFamilyForMe.org to see photographs of some of the many children awaiting a “forever family.”