Anthony, who prefers to be called “AJ,” is a twelve-year-old boy of Caucasian descent. AJ refers to himself as an organizer because he always likes to have a plan. Some of AJ’s other interests include Pokemon cards, electronic games, sports and reading. AJ mentioned he has few options for his future; he wants to become a lawyer, a banker in foreign currency or a professional athlete.
AJ is a smart, straight forward child who appreciates knowing what is going on and what to expect. AJ enjoys going to school and reports his favorite subject to be math. Not only does he excel academically, he is able to ask very insightful questions and he is willing to search for information when he lacks the knowledge on a specific topic. AJ’s academic achievements are well evident in his grades and participation in class. AJ receives support in school from an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) to address emotional needs. Anthony has also been engaged in weekly therapy for the past three years.
How do I adopt a child from foster care?
To adopt a child from foster care, you must go through a training, interview and matching process. To begin, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), for referrals to agencies in your area. After submitting an initial application, a social worker will meet with you, then refer you for the Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) training. After completing the MAPP course, you’ll have meetings with a social worker who will conduct your “homestudy” to explore adoption possibilities with you and begin to match you with a waiting child. It’s important to balance patience with persistence to make a match that will build a lifelong family.
To learn more about AJ, and about adoption from foster care, call 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.”
