Forrest, born in 1997, is helpful, athletic and eager to please. His favorite color is green, and pizza is his favorite food.

Forrest receives special education services in school. He is mainstreamed in art, music and gym. Forrest says he likes doing homework because “it makes me smart.” He struggles with short-term memory and is working at school to increase this skill.

He enjoys playing with his peers and prefers to have others around. He plays soccer with the recreation department and loves to swim. He also enjoys Legos and his Game Boy. Forrest helps out around the house by keeping his room clean, making his bed and putting dishes in the dishwasher. Forrest likes to visit the town library and often checks out books to read at home.

The best family for Forrest would be one that can maintain a clear and consistent schedule with a high level of supervision. He is comforted by knowing what is next during the day and will respond better to prompts if he has been told what to expect. Forrest does best with explicit directions and does not do well in chaotic environments. It will be important for Forrest to continue contact with his sisters, whom he sees every other week.

An adoption subsidy may be available through the Department of Health and Human Services. Forrest is one of 150 children in the 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 DHHS to find foster and adoptive families for Maine children in care.

For information about Forrest or other children available for adoption, contact A Family for ME toll free at 877-505-0545 or visit www.AFamilyForMe.org and see photographs of many children awaiting a “forever family.”