Shelby, born in 1996, is in need of a nurturing adoptive family. Shelby has long light-blond hair with hazel eyes. She is personable, fun and inquisitive.

Shelby likes to read and can be very animated when reading to younger children. Shelby also likes to write stories. She is a very deep thinker and loves to challenge herself with new thoughts and information. Shelby is also working on boundaries and making friends. She is bashful and very timid when doing new things or meeting new people. She seeks adult approval. Shelby loves to sing and dance. She likes to be helpful in the house and during meal times. She is a very sensitive child. Shelby loves animals and wants a family who has animals.

Shelby has a brother, a sister and three stepsiblings who she would like to maintain contact with, as they are very important to her. Shelby’s forever family will need to be open to continuing contact with her siblings and their adoptive families.

Shelby would do best with a two-parent family who could provide structure and routine balanced with nurturance. She will need parents who will be supportive and continue to involve Shelby in activities that interest her. It is also important that she is the youngest or only child in a family. An adoption subsidy may be available for the most appropriate family.

Shelby is one of 147 children currently in Maine Department of Health & Human Service’s care who are 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 more information about Shelby 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 Heart Gallery of photographs of some of the many children awaiting a forever family.