Jimmy, born in 1994, is a handsome young man who has a good sense of humor. He loves to play video games and is definitely more of an indoor kid.

Jimmy has mentioned some of his favorite outdoor activities, however. He likes to fish and “hang out” passing a ball around or sitting in the yard. Jimmy is partial to animals and has taken therapeutic horseback riding lessons, which he really enjoyed. In addition to his affection for horses, he also has done well with the dogs and cats that he has lived with throughout the years.

Jimmy struggles a bit in school. He receives special education services, mostly to help him remain on task and behave appropriately during school hours. Jimmy’s adoptive parents will need to be actively involved in his school programming as well as in assisting Jimmy with homework.

Jimmy works with a team that is committed to identifying a permanent home where he can maintain contact with his sister. The professionals working with Jimmy would like to keep open the possibility of his sister and him living together. They have been through a lot together and keeping them in frequent contact is very important.

He will do best in a family that is very patient and has time for activities that will help them to bond. It will be important that his family help him develop to meet his full potential.

The family must realize that Jimmy will test their commitment. Participating in therapy that is focused on building their relationships will be crucial. It also will be important that Jimmy’s family be willing to help him learn to live independently as he enters adulthood.

Jimmy 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 photographs of children awaiting a “forever family.”