Derick, born in March 1992, is described as sweet, charismatic and caring, with a fun sense of humor. All of these traits are evident when you meet him.
Like many teenage boys, Derick loves to play video games. He also enjoys playing basketball and going shopping. He expresses his desire to try his best to reach goals he has set for himself. Derick says he likes listening to music, and his favorites are rap and heavy metal. When it is quiet, Derick enjoys reading and lists the “Harry Potter” series as his favorite books.
Derick says he likes school, and he does well academically. He receives special education support, but is generally mainstreamed in his classes. He most enjoys hanging out with his friends at school. Derick has good skills with his peers and is well-liked by his classmates and his teachers.
Derick wants to be a part of a family. He says he would like to live in a more country-rural setting. Derick also was clear that he wants “no drama” in his family. He prefers when things are easygoing, laid-back and fun. A family that will allow him to continue contact with his birth family also is important to him. Derick finds it challenging to handle environments that are too busy and therefore would benefit from a family that will be able to help him to manage situations that are overstimulating and support his need for a safe space of his own where he can go when he needs to process how he is feeling.
Derick is one of 154 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.