Jimmy, born in 1994, and Ashley, born in 1995, are in need of a forever family. Ashley and Jimmy have a team working with them that is committed to identifying a forever home where the children can be together and experience the security and love that only a permanent family can provide. They have been through a lot together, and keeping them together in an adoptive home is very important.

Jimmy is a handsome young man with a good sense of humor. During the past year, Jimmy has begun to enjoy playing outdoors. In the past, he has preferred playing video games and playing with his Game Boy. However, his current foster parents have encouraged him to play outside and to try different activities. As a result, he now enjoys being outside, riding his bike and swimming. Jimmy also takes therapeutic horseback riding lessons, which he really enjoys.

Ashley, Jimmy’s sister, is a young lady who is quite adventurous. She loves playing outside with her friends. She, too, has enjoyed taking horseback riding lessons. In addition, she is beginning her second year of participating on a swim team. During the past year, her foster family has provided the opportunity for her to have many different experiences and has found her to be open to trying just about anything. She has enjoyed camping, skiing and swimming. She has requested a family that is active and “energetic.”

Ashley and Jimmy enjoy animals. In addition to their affection for horses, they also have done very well with the dogs and cats that they have lived with throughout the years.

Jimmy and Ashley both struggle a bit in school. They both receive special education services. Their adoptive parents will need to be actively involved in their school programming as well as in assisting the children with their schoolwork in the evenings.

Ashley and Jimmy will do best in a family that is very patient and has time to do activities that will help them to bond as a family. Spending individual time with each child is also important. Their family must realize that the children will test their commitment. Participating in therapy that is focused on building their relationships is strongly recommended.

An adoption subsidy is available for the most appropriate family. Jimmy and Ashley are 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 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.”