Julyzia, or “Juju” as she likes to be called (photo credit Erica Jacobson)
Julyzia, or “Juju” as she likes to be called, is a caring and affectionate 8-year-old girl of African American/Caucasian descent, Julyzia absolutely loves being a helper of any kind. People who know her well describe her as funny, smart and creative. For fun, she loves to play outside, ride her bicycle and do arts and crafts. She’ll even make cards for others as a surprise! Julyzia is happiest when she is playing “Just Dance” and “Mario Cart.” Julyzia currently lives in a residential home and can struggle with the day–to-day routine, especially at night and during transitions. In school, she is making good progress with special education services.
Julyzia’s social worker hopes to find a supportive two-parent family with a mom and dad or two moms with either no children or older children. Julyzia will need continued contact with members of her birth family including her birth parents. She is close to a 9-year-old sister who is also in foster care, and they could either be placed in separate homes or possibly together in a skilled, experienced family. She also has two other half siblings placed in a pre-adoptive home.
What does Adoption Cost?
It costs little or nothing to adopt a child from foster care. Unlike international or private adoptions, there is no adoption agency fee. There are also a number of free post-adoption support services available to families statewide, including support groups and respite care. Children with special needs who are adopted from the foster care system are eligible for ongoing financial and medical assistance after adoption. These children are also eligible for a tuition waiver to attend a Massachusetts state college or university.
To learn more about Julyzia, and about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-54-ADOPT (617-542-3678) or visit www.mareinc.org. The sooner you call, the sooner a waiting child will have “a permanent place to call HOME.”
