Editor’s Note: Melvin’s profile first appeared in the Bangor Daily News weekend edition on Saturday, Nov. 4. Because of press-related problems, the NEWS published a limited number of editions on that weekend, and the information on Melvin did not get wide dissemination. Below is a reprint of Melvin’s story.

Melvin is an attractive, engaging and fun-loving 10-year-old boy. A creative child, who loves to draw, Melvin also likes sports and other fun activities. He participated in a community soccer program this fall.

In foster care since 1996, Melvin is eager for a permanent family. In talking about adoption, Melvin has said that he does not care where the family lives or what their home looks like.

“It’s more important that they love me for me,” Melvin said. Melvin will do best in a home where structure and routine are consistent along with love, patience and empathy. Melvin may adjust best in a home without younger children.

Melvin has expressed concern about his two younger brothers who are in foster care and in need of adoptive homes, and his youngest brother who is soon to be adopted. He wants to be assured he can have continuing contact and pictures of them, and he wants to know where they are.

Melvin is attached to his current foster family and thinks that leaving will be a very hard thing to do. An adoptive family will need to accept and validate those feelings for Melvin.

Melvin is described as a wonderful conversationalist, and, while he does have some difficulty in school, it is identified as related to his reading skills that need improvement. He appears to have an interest in learning.

Approved adoptive families interested in Melvin may forward their home studies to Dennis Dix, LSW, Maine Department of Human Services, 35 Anthony Ave., Augusta 04333, or call (207) 624-8222. The toll-free number, within the state, is 1-800-452-1926.

Adoption note

The United States Postal Service will sponsor an event in recognition of November as Adoption Awareness Month from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at Wendy’s Restaurant, 51 Western Ave., Augusta. Honored will be the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, an adoption agency in Kennebec County, and the Harland A. Turner Family Counseling Center which assists adoptive families with various issues. Augusta resident Jeanne Gibson, who recently adopted a child from Russia, also will be recognized. Further information maybe obtained by calling Augusta Postmaster Randy Michaud at 622-6114.