Johnathan is an adolescent boy who was born in 1993. He enjoys Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, playing outdoors and the Boston Red Sox. John is an engaging young man, both with adults and peers. He is nice, polite and is often helpful to other children.

John has learned the importance of responsibility and can take a part in helping with household chores such as laundry and cleaning his room. John often interacts with his peers by playing basketball and other sports. He enjoys cross-country skiing in the winter and swimming in the summer.

John says he enjoys school. His favorite subject is science. He receives special education services and 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, John enjoys being outside. He rarely wants to stay in and watch TV. Even when it is cold outside, John says he would rather be outdoors than inside.

The best family for John would be one that will be patient and understanding. John may need more time to transition to an adoptive family so that his trust in the family can be built. A family that would be willing to participate in mental health treatment to help John continue his therapeutic work also would be important. John has made great growth over the past few years, and it would be important for that work to continue in an adoptive home. A family that is willing to allow John to continue to have contact with his sister is necessary as well.

Jonathan is one of 137 children in the Maine Department of Health and Human Service’s care 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 John 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.”