Finally Forever

ask an expert Q : I’m not sure if adoption from foster care is the right way for me to start my family. Can I speak with someone who has done it?

The prospect of adopting a child can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are many different types of adoption and choices to be made in pursuing this path. In addition to that, for many couples and single individuals the decision to create or to grow their family through adoption implies a lot of emotional work. Families in the process of adoption often find tremendous benefit from speaking with experienced adoptive parents. In response, MARE has created the Friend of the Family Program, which matches experienced adoptive parents with families at all stages in the adoption pro- cess to provide ongoing guidance, share their own experiences, and to equip them with resources and services. You can learn more about the program at https://www.mareinc.org/page/friendof-the-family-mentor-program.

-Ricardo L. Frano, a Family Support Services Coordinator at MARE Inc.

April’s Child: Meet Marissa

Hi, my name is Marissa and I love running cross coun - try!

Marissa is an energetic 13-yearold girl of Caucasian descent. She enjoys playing tennis and run- ning cross country and track. She also enjoys music. Marissa loves to have her hair and nails done. Marissa is a brilliant girl with a bright academic future. She has tested and considered into one of the top exam schools in the city.

Marissa is legally freed for adoption. She would thrive in a home where she is the only child or with children close in age. She will need a family that can provide her with attention and patience. Marissa shares a close relationship with her younger sister and they hope to be able to continue to see each other at least monthly. The best family for Marissa would be a local family that

is able to visit with her as a visiting

resource initially. Can you pro- vide the guid- ance, love and stability that a child needs? If you’re at least 18 years old, have a stable source of income, and room in your heart, you may be a perfect match to adopt a waiting child. Adoptive par- ents can be single, married, or partnered; experienced or not; renters or homeowners; LGBTQ singles and couples. The process to adopt a child from foster care requires training, interviews, and home visits to determine if adoption is right for you, and if so, to help connect you with a child or sibling group that your fam- ily will be a good match for. To learn more about adop- tion from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-964-6273 or visit www. mareinc.org.