When you think of siblings, perhaps several words spring to mind – bickering, arguing, playing, laughing, running, tattletaling, loving and hating, and lots of energy.

Meet Zachary and Essence, brother and sister, friend and rival, separated by approximately 15 months in age, yet sharing a bond that only siblings can share. They bring with them all the dynamics one would expect of siblings. At times they are each other’s best friend, laughing and playing, catching frogs, rolling down grassy hills, sharing a formidable alliance in pursuit of a common goal (such as ice cream). The next moment, the two siblings may be heard bickering over which gets to choose their next activity or arguing about the other not playing fair.

But what is always apparent in their interactions is the bond they share; a bond reinforced through shared life experiences and history.

Zachary is a handsome young man and, born in 1999, the older of the two siblings. He is very protective of his younger sister but at times can play a little rough. As an example, Zachary’s typical style of greeting his sister is by tackling her to the ground. Thus there are times Zachary may need to be reminded to play gently. Like most boys Zachary would prefer to be running around outside, fishing, playing down by the pond or jumping on the trampoline at his foster home. Of course, he is not opposed to playing video games and enjoys Lego building blocks.

Essence is a beautiful, bright young girl born in 2000. She has a wonderful imagination and enjoys playing games in which she can enact various roles, such as playing house. Essence is also very good at blending whatever it is she would like to do with that which has captured her brother’s attention. Essence, like Zach, loves animals and would very much like to have a dog in her adoptive home.

Zachary and Essence entered Department of Health and Human Services custody in 2006. Initially, the two siblings had been placed together in the same home. However, as each child individually struggled with their emotions and what brought them into DHHS custody, the decision was made to place them separately so their individual progress would not be hindered. Nevertheless, Zachary and Essence continue to maintain contact through regular visits. Their desire is to be placed together and this is the goal of an adoptive placement for this brother and sister duo.

Zachary and Essence will need parents who can model positive, appropriate interactions. Parents need to set and maintain firm boundaries but enjoy the energy these two children bring. It is also felt that to support a healthy adoptive placement Zachary and Essence’s family should be willing to participate in family therapy, as the parents and the two children will not only be learning to be a family, but the two children also will be learning what it means to be a part of a healthy family.

An adoption subsidy may be available through DHHS. Zachary and Essence are two of the 145 children in the Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ care who are seeking an adoptive family.

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 photos of children awaiting a “forever family.”