Matthew, born in 1995, is a charming 11-year-old boy with a great sense of humor. He has light brown/blond hair and blue eyes. Mat is usually cooperative, pleasant and playful. He is of average height and build for his age. Mat dresses casually and is neatly groomed. One of his favorite outfits includes camouflaged pants and orange hooded sweatshirt, typically with sneakers.

During school recess Mat likes to climb on the jungle gym and use the swing. Mat likes to play soccer and baseball as well. He loves nature, and one of his favorite things to do is look for insects. Mat loves dogs and horses and would really like to have a dog of his own to care for and love.

When indoors, Mat likes to play board games, video games and watch television shows. He has a great imagination and loves drawing and coloring creatively. He likes to explore and work with craft materials.

Mat loves to write and is currently dictating to make books. He uses the keyboard and alpha smart, which he also enjoys. If his teachers make learning a game, he is easily engaged. He likes art, science and studying animals. Mat also loves gym class. He is receiving help with his speech and language skills. Mat does well in a small, structured classroom and is now in a modified educational program.

Mat needs a predictable routine to do his best and benefits from a consistent and structured environment. He looks forward to his house meetings where he likes to take a leadership role in making decisions.

Mat cares about his peers and has a few good friends. He responds to and asks for affection from his caregivers and readily gives hugs. He looks for and accepts guidance and support from adults.

An adoption subsidy may be available to the most appropriate family.

Mat is among more than 100 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 more information about children available for adoption, contact A Family for ME toll free at 1-877-505-0545 or visit www.AFamilyForMe.org and see the gallery of photographs of some of the many children awaiting a “forever family.”