Ricky, born in 1994, is a pleasant, outgoing and funny boy. Cooking and anything related to cooking are by far Ricky’s most favorite activities. He enjoys reading cookbooks, trying new recipes and especially tasting his creations.

Ricky aspires to be a chef one day. His caregivers describe him as a child who likes to be helpful and who enjoys showing others his possessions. Ricky’s personality is described as “laid-back.” He likes playing with toy cars and dinosaur figures with his friends. Ricky also enjoys watching movies and spending one-on-one time with adults.

He is an average student who receives special education services for assistance in reading in math. Ricky is an experiential learner and he benefits from one-on-one attention and activities that require him to use his hands. He has been playing basketball with his school team.

Ricky has developed a good relationship with appropriate adults. He benefits from the “flexible structure” that is provided by his foster parents. His routine is described as “the same each day” with some flexibility to accommodate spontaneous activities. Ricky benefits from being warned about changes in his routine, as he does not respond well to sudden changes in his schedule. When tired, Ricky can become less willing to comply with rules and requests made of him, which can lead to behavioral challenges. Ricky does respond to consistent limit setting and consequences.

Families who have experience with children who have special needs, are consistent and firm in their approach to setting limits and who are open to receiving outside support to assist with understanding Ricky’s needs will be considered as a potential adoptive resource. An adoption subsidy may be available for the most appropriate family.

Ricky is one of 150 children in Maine Department of Health and Human Services 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 information about children available for adoption, contact A Family for ME toll free at 877-505-0545 or visit www.AFamilyForMe.org and see the gallery of photographs of some of the many children awaiting a “forever family.”