Joy Introduces 9-year-old Jacob

School is back in session, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the sweeter side of summer.

9-year-old Jacob sure does.

That's how my conversation with Jacob started, and as I soon learned, this 9-year-old isn't afraid to express how he feels, about anything.

"I don't like any math, I hate homework."

What Jacob does like...is ice cream.

"Do you know what'd you like?"

"A rootbeer float."

This wasn't Jacob's first time visiting Gifford's Ice Cream in Bangor.

But it was his first time trying a rootbeer float.

Jacob tells me he had a great summer, and spent a lot of time swimming.

"I like getting thrown in the water."

"You like getting thrown in the water?"

"Yup (laughs)."

Jacob also loves pets...any kind, but if he could choose just one, it would be...

"A shark."

I asked Jacob what he'd feed his pet jaws.

"Fish food meat, instead of my arms (laughing)"

This sweet young man is hoping for older brothers and sisters he can play with...as well as pets. Jacob does have some ongoing special needs, so he'll need a family that's willing to work with service providers as part of a team to help him reach his potential.

"Are you a funny guy, do you make people laugh a lot?"

"Yes."

"Do you like to make people laugh?"

"Yes."
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Strengths: Jacob is loving, funny, smart, inquisitive and spunky.
Interests: Jacob enjoys collecting rocks & shells, playing with children and being active.
Jacob is an energetic 9 year old boy (dob 08/2000). He is a loving child with a magnetic personality. He has brown hair and eyes.

Jacob will need a family that will be patient with him and understanding of his emotional needs and that can accept him for who he is and where he is at. A family needs to understand that Jacob does have ongoing special needs and be willing to work with service providers as part of a team to help him reach his potential.

Jacob is an active child and is constantly in motion. He will require active parents that are able to channel his energy into positive and creative outlets. He does get easily bored but his attention span is increasing, especially if he is given things to do. He does need a family to be able to give him lots of time and attention and so would do well with a family without other children near his age.

Jacob is starting third grade. He is a smart young man with a great vocabulary and enjoys reading but has some learning delays. He will need to be in a school where there is good special education services or even in a day treatment facility if one is available. He is making both academic and social gains. He receives occupational therapy at school as well.

Jacob's house parents do have animals and Jacob does okay when he is being monitored and enjoys playing with them, but does need close supervision as when he is angry he can lash out at them as well. He has recently started therapeutic horseback riding to help him learn to deal with animals in a safe and appropriate way.

Jacob states he would love a mom and dad who will spend lots of time with him. He enjoys playing outside and riding his bike. He is a wonderful conversationalist and enjoys adult company especially. An adoption subsidy may be available to the most appropriate family.

For more information on being an adoptive or foster parent, you can log onto www.afamilyforme.org