Rafik is a handsome 13-year-old boy who is full of energy.

He is very friendly and engaging. He is a joy to spend time with and kind to those around him.

Some of his favorite activities include playing video games, swimming and horseback riding.

Rafik has a healthy imagination and is great at creative play. Rafik has a dramatic flair and a great sense of humor. He has an excellent reading ability and a love for books and stories. His favorites are the Harry Potter series, the “Edge Chronicles” and “Secrets of Droon.”

He even has a goal to publish his first book before he turns 15.

Rafik is ready for a “forever family.” He has a desire to develop and deepen relationships. Rafik responds well to genuine, specific praise for his accomplishments.

Rafik has a medical condition, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, type III. It is characterized by unstable joints that are prone to dislocation. Although this condition requires regular medical care, Rafik is able to participate in all age-appropriate activities.

Rafik enjoys helping out around the house. He is responsible for feeding numerous pets at his current foster home. He would like brothers and sisters in his forever family but hopes to be the oldest so he can “be a big brother.”

Rafik is one of 155 children in state Department of Health and Human Services’ care who is 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.

Children in DHHS care who are available for adoption range in age from infancy to 18 years of age. A Family For ME’s primary focus is to find families for children ages 5 to 18. The majority of children available for adoption are 5 years old or older, and many are in sibling groups.

For information about Rafik 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 gallery of photographs of some of the many children awaiting a family.