Jonathan enjoys Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, playing outdoors and the Boston Red Sox. He is an engaging adolescent, both with adults and peers. He is nice, polite and often helpful to other children.

Jonathan, 13, has learned the importance of responsibility and can help with household chores such as laundry and cleaning. He likes to play outside and often interacts with his peers by playing basketball and other sports.

He enjoys cross-country skiing in the winter and swimming in the summer.

Jonathan says he enjoys school. His favorite subject is science.

He receives special education services. He is making gains in his schoolwork. He does best when given more one-on-one adult attention at school to help him remain on task and complete his assigned work.

After school, he enjoys being outside. He rarely wants to stay in and watch TV. Even when it is cold outside, he says, he would rather be outdoors than inside.

The best family for Jonathan would be one who will be patient and understanding. He may need more time to transition to an adoptive family so he can build trust.

A family who would be willing to participate in mental health treatment to help Jonathan continue his therapeutic work would be important. He has made great strides over the past few years, and it is important for that work to continue in an adoptive home. A family willing to allow him to continue to have contact with his sister is necessary as well.

Jonathan is one of 151 children in the care of the state Department of Health and Human Services 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 Jonathan or other children available for adoption, 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.”