Sunday’s Child is a weekly column featuring a child or children currently in foster care waiting to be adopted.

Arianna and Devin are Caucasian siblings hoping to be adopted together.

Arianna is a 15-year-old who is described as intelligent, sweet, and loving. Arianna is used to being in a caretaking role and is learning how to just be a teen. She does well in school and is proud of her academic accomplishments. She has made incredible progress over the past year and has much to be proud of.

Arianna enjoys music and those who know her say she has a beautiful singing voice. She would like to take guitar lessons and photography lessons in the future. When she grows up, Arianna has shared she would like to be a forensic science specialist.

Devin, 12, is a respectful, well-mannered young man who likes to please adults. He enjoys doing chores in the home and loves the praise that he receives. Devin has a good sense of humor and everyone who meets him enjoys spending time with him. He enjoys being outdoors whenever possible. He loves to ride his bike and also enjoys animals.

Presently, he lives with a family that owns horses and he helps to care for the horses. Devin is involved with the Boy Scouts and likes doing activities with his troop and earning badges. He has been to overnight camp and enjoyed the experience. Overall, Devin is doing well in his foster home and follows the household rules and routine. Devin has done well in school. He is in all regular education classes and recently started the sixth grade. He is well-liked by his teachers and classmates.

Arianna and Devin would do well in a family who will provide a nurturing yet structured home. Both children need structure, consistency and love. They also have two younger siblings that they are very close to and would benefit from a family that can maintain regular contact between them.

What is MAPP Training?

Part of the process to adopt a child from foster care is a training course. After an initial home visit by a social worker, you may be invited to attend the Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) training. The 30-hour MAPP course is typically held one night per week for 10 weeks. There are also courses offered on the weekends. MAPP training is designed to help you gain the best possible understanding of, and preparation for, parenting an adopted child. This training includes information about the needs of children who are waiting to be adopted and what behaviors they might exhibit. It also discusses the support available to adoptive families. A couple considering adoption should attend MAPP training together.

To learn more about Arianna and Devin, and about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (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.’’