Photolisting Profile for Ricky S

Ricky S is a 15-year-old boy from Maine who is hoping to be adopted.

Cooking and anything related to cooking are by far Ricky's most favorite activities. He enjoys reading cookbooks, trying new recipes and especially tasting his creations. Ricky aspires to be a chef one day. Ricky is a very pleasant, outgoing and funny young boy. His caregivers describe him as a child who likes to be helpful and who enjoys showing others his possessions. Ricky enjoys watching movies and spending one on one time with adults. Ricky was born in August of 1994 and is in the 8th grade. He came into care in October of 2003 with his brother. Ricky’s brother has since been adopted and the two have occasional contact with one another, which would be important to continue into the future. Ricky is a pleasant, funny and outgoing teenager. Caregivers have described him as “laidback”. In the past Ricky was very interested in cooking and was aspiring to be a chef one day. His goals have changed as he has matured and though he is less interested in cooking and being a chef he says he still feels just as excited about eating. Currently his interests include basketball, swimming, skateboarding and hanging out with his friends. Ricky also enjoys watching TV and movies. He also says that his favorite season is the summer because he can participate in activities outside. Ricky is an average student who receives special education services in all of his classes. Ricky benefits from one on one attention and activities that require him to use his hands. In the past Ricky has participated on school sports teams, such as basketball. Ricky benefits from being warned about changes in his routine, as he does not respond well to sudden changes in schedule. When he is tired Ricky can become less willing to comply with rules and requests made of him, which can lead to behavioral challenges. Ricky responds best to consistent limit setting and consequences. Ricky shared that he requires extra support when he is angry or upset. Ricky has shared that he would like to have a two-parent family, and that siblings and pets would be okay. He also would like a family who is active and would be willing do participate in outdoor activities with him. He stated he would also enjoy a family who liked to go places and didn’t spend all their time “sitting at home”. Ricky would also do well in a family that has some experience with children who have special needs. It is also important for parents to be consistent and firm in their approach to limit setting and who are open to receiving outside supports to assist them. Adoption subsidy may be available for the most appropriate family. Interested families please contact Susan Day, Department of Health and Human Services, 35 Anthony Ave. #11, Augusta, Maine, 04333 or by calling 1-800-452-1926.