Connecticut Heart Gallery

Meet the children!

There are hundreds of children in Connecticut right now who hope a special family will welcome them with open hearts and arms. These great kids need parents they can rely on and maybe siblings they can join!

Some have experienced trauma. Others have significant medical needs. Some just need parents. All of them are special and deserve a loving family. Maybe one of them will join yours.

We use aliases for children when they’re still going through legal procedures. These aliases are in quotation marks. Call us today to learn more about adoption or email the contact to learn more about a child.

Call 1-888-KID-HERO (1-888-543-4376)

Amanda

Sweet Amanda was born in 2007. This young lady needs a patient and accepting family who is willing to learn about her needs. She thrives when she knows what to expect. Within her abilities, she participates in family life and her daily school schedule with ease. Special supports will help you and help her achieve her full potential. Amanda wakes up happy and well-rested. She dresses herself, brushes her teeth (no cavities!), watches her favorite shows, and plays on her tablet. She enjoys being outside, walking in the park, and keeping her hands busy with fidget toys. Her foster mother is proud of her and describes her as "a really good kid!" Her laughter and bright smile will show you the contentment she feels when she knows she is safe and loved!

Email Nadine McDonald to learn more about Amanda

Aiyanna

Connecticut families only. Aiyanna was born in 2010 and has a personality that brightens any room! She greets each day with an infectious enthusiasm, ready to embrace whatever comes her way. Aiyanna has a friendly and adventurous spirit and sees the world as a place full of possibilities. She carries a strength that fuels her ability to connect with others. Aiyanna enjoys singing, dancing, gymnastics, and cooking. She’s eager to do well in school. Most important, she wants to share these experiences with a family she can call her own!

Email Nadine McDonald to learn more about Aiyanna

Jay’Vion

Jay’Vion has a fantastic smile! Born in 2013, he loves Lego toys, stuffies (stuffed animals), and video games. He’s affectionate and gives great hugs! Jay’Vion gets support to help him heal from past experiences. He responds very well to clear instructions. Jay’Vion looks forward to having a home where he can make friends -- and would like to have a dog someday, too. He’s looking for a family who will love and accept him unconditionally.

Email Sandra Tapia-Arcos to learn more about Jay’Vion

Eddy

Finding a family who shares a similar culture and interests are on the wish list for Eddy. He enjoys video games, fishing, playing cards, and playing or watching basketball. Eddy likes caring for large farm animals and love big dogs. He also enjoys cooking, baking, and helping with chores. Despite being let down by important adults in the past, Eddy is empathetic and kind. Eddy would thrive in a family where he’s the youngest child and can learn from older siblings. Eddy most wants to belong to a family who will take the time to build a trusting, stable, and successful relationship with him.

Email Nadine McDonald to learn more about Eddy

Jonah

Connecticut families only. Jonah has family in Connecticut he loves visiting and these relationships are important to maintain. Born in 2012, he’s ready to join a family that will love him forever and meet his medical needs. Jonah is non-verbal and likes to be told what will happen. He uses adaptive equipment and needs help with all daily activities (bathing, dressing, and nutrition). A family that can meet his needs now and in the future will benefit from nursing supports and training for his needs. Jonah gets special services in school and his teachers say he’s making good progress on all goals and likes being with his peers. He enjoys music and toys that make noise and needs a family that will soothe and comfort him. He needs a family that will love him and be by his side, forever.

Email Sandy Carroll to learn more about Jonah

Isabella

This sweet and giggly girls was born in 2012. “Bella” has a very loving and social disposition. She’s expressive and loves to hug and snuggle while you chat about your day. Bella is working on her language skills and can also communicate through her iPad to let her needs be known. She feeds herself, drinks from a sippy cup, and propels herself wherever she needs to go. Her teachers and friends love her positive energy. She thrives on structure and routine. Bella will receive professional care in and out of your home. She longs to give her hugs and love to a family that can keep her smiling and meet her needs.

Email Holly Nesdale to learn more about Isabella

Teagan

Teagan is famous for his wink, sweet smile, and cheery disposition. Born in 2009, he needs a family that will meet his special needs. Teagan enjoys watching TV and moving to music. He’s energetic and likes to be active: holding his hand and keeping him close allows him to engage with the world around him in a safe manner. Teagan communicates with sign language and can make his needs known with vocalizations. He enjoys his school teachers and friends and he does well with additional supports. He responds well to consistency, routine, and structure. It will be very rewarding to watch Teagan grow into a special young man.

Email Nadine McDonald to learn more about Teagan

Mahki

Mahki, born in 2008, is looking for a family in Connecticut where he’ll learn what it's like to be loved and wanted. He’s a friendly young man who is respectful and enjoys being with others. He is smart and creative and likes to put things together. He also enjoys caring for hermit crabs, riding his scooter, playing video games, and reading. Because of his family history, Mahki needs a patient and supportive family while he heals from past experiences and rebuilds trust. We hope you’ll help him grow into a healthy and happy young adult with a family he belongs to.

Email Nadine McDonald to learn more about Mahki

David

David is a funny, playful, and kind teen. Born in 2010, he enjoys receiving someone’s full attention, spending time outdoors, riding his bicycle, playing basketball, listening to music, and much more. He likes to use his tablet and skillfully navigates electronics. David has developed exceptional hearing and tactile skills. He’s passionate about learning and curious about the world. With continued support and understanding, he has a bright future ahead. His strengths and talents can shine brightly and inspire others. David longs to be part of a family that will make him feel safe, guided, and loved.

Contact Tyler Mann to learn more about David

Joshanna

Say hi to Joshanna! She’s a kind, funny, and entertaining girl who enjoys art and putting on shows. Born in 2013, Joshanna likes reading, playing on her tablet, doing her hair and makeup, and laughing with friends. She receives support services in school and strives to be her best self! Joshanna would do best with a family who can provide structure and regular routines and rituals. She’d love to have a sibling in the home that she can spend time with. Joshanna needs a loving family that makes sure she gets the support she needs to grow into a successful adult.

Email Adam Liebowitz to learn more about Joshanna

Sa’Niyah

Meet Sa'Niyah! This kind and helpful kid, born in 2014, loves reading, journaling, playing games, ballet, gymnastics, and animals. She enjoys stress toys, including poppets. Squishy toys are her favorite! She needs adults who provide patience and consistency. She flourishes with praise and positive reinforcement. Sa'Niyah will continue to receive supports to help her trust and rely on adult caregivers. She’ll do best in a family where she can have space and attention to continue making progress toward her goals.

Email Sandy Carroll to learn more about Sa’Niyah

Nova

We’re looking for a special family for Nova, a sweet child born in 2022. Her smile is contagious and lights up a room! She likes dogs, listening to music, and visually stimulating toys. She loves dolls and kisses them. She also enjoys the outdoors with the assistance of adaptive equipment. She’s non-verbal but responds with a smile and makes sounds when spoken to. Her adoptive parents will regularly attend medical appointments and have providers visit their home. Nova needs and deserves a forever home that will love and care for her.

Email Bryan Lerch to learn more about Nova

Carlos

My name is Carlos. I’m a teenager, born in 2009, who loves playing board games and being outside playing basketball. I even make my own board games! At school I enjoy all my classes and just joined the drama club, which is very fun. I love playing video games like Minecraft and Roblox. I'm excited to have a family to call my own! I can't wait to learn how to cook with a new family and do fun activities with them. I would love to be with a family that is kind and understanding and will help me feel like I belong. (Carlos is an energetic and silly kid who thrives in structured environments and loves helping others. He’s very insightful and always wants to do his best.).

Email Bryan Lerch to learn more about Carlos

Anthony

Anthony is caring, considerate, and insightful. Born in 2010, he likes to learn, explore, and help others in any way he can. Anthony would love to have a mom and a dad in a home with pets (or willing to get them). He’d like a family that will be involved in his life and go hiking and biking with him or support those activities. He enjoys soccer and karate. He’d like a dad who wants to play video games with him. Anthony participates in a Police Explorers program and would like to become a police officer to “help kids just like me." Anthony is willing to consider moving out of state and would be happy with a sibling or being an only child. He’s excited to find a family where he can grow up and be loved.

Email Adam Liebowitz to learn more about Anthony

Jadielys

Connecticut families only. Jadi is an outgoing, funny, optimistic, and insightful girl born in 2014. She enjoys group activities and playing sports. Her creativity shines through in her artwork and may make her a great actress, too! Staff at Jadi's school say she’s enthusiastic and has a lot of potential. She enjoys playing with others and, in 2024, received an award for being a model peer student. Jadi works closely with supports to make sure all her needs are met. She wants a permanent family that loves the changing seasons and celebrates holidays. While Jadi cannot live with her older brother, she is very connected to him and looks forward to spending time with him and his adoptive family.

Email Denise Lopez to learn more about Jadi

“Adam”*

Connecticut families only. Adam, who was born in 2010, is funny and sociable. He is kind, loyal, and forgiving. Adam enjoys building with Legos, drawing, playing video games, and watching television. He has played on recreational football and wrestling teams and likes being active. Adam receives support in school and developed an interest in art that has grown into a talent. He looks forward to meeting new people and forming healthy friendships. Adam will benefit from a positive adult who is patient and will remind him of his many strengths. Once he feels secure, Adam's bright and wonderful personality shines through.

Email Nadine McDonald to ask about Adam

“Brian”*

Connecticut families only. Brian, born in 2009, is ready to join a family willing to learn about his needs. With supports, consistency, and structure, Brian has made great strides interacting socially and identifying his feelings. He enjoys attending school and his teachers are proud of the effort he puts in each day. Brian receives additional support to help him complete his work and he’s improving his self-help skills and independence. He has a great sense of humor and makes his classmates and teachers laugh each day! He enjoys coloring, crafts, and watching movies and cartoons. Brian gets to spend time with some extended family members who can’t care for him full-time. They’re a positive part of his life and will be a support for the family he joins.

Email Sandy Carroll to learn more about Brian

“Drew”*

We’re looking for a special family in the Norwich/New London area for Drew. He has a special relationship with relatives who love him and will remain part of his life. Drew was born in 2008. He’s a big teddy bear. He’s kind and thoughtful and would love to listen to music, watch videos, and enjoy meals with you. He will write things down when you have difficulty understanding him. He has a special environment at school to help him meet his education goals. You can help provide the consistency he needs for success. Drew may do best in a family where he’s the youngest child. He will thrive in a family where he feels connected and secure and knows he’s a permanent member.

Email Denise Lopez to learn more about Drew

“Johnny”*

Johnny was born in 2006 and needs a family that will meet his needs. They’ll get special training and supports and have flexible schedules that accommodate visiting providers. He enjoys watching TV, playing with toy balls and sensory toys, and building with blocks. Johnny has a sweet and inquisitive disposition; he is eager to explore things around him. Although non-verbal, he uses noises to make his needs known. Johnny is doing well in school and making progress toward his learning goals. He needs an organized and patient family where he can have meaningful, trusting relationships.

Email Sandy Carroll to learn more about Johnny

“Bobby”*

Bobby is joyful and easygoing. Born in 2016, is ready to join a family able to meet his needs. He enjoys watching television – especially cartoons – and soothes himself with soft things such as blankets. He loves choosing books and being read to! Bobby enjoys school, where he receives additional services. He loves playing in the ball pit and has fun scooting around independently and playing with toys. Bobby will require care from loving adults for his lifetime. He deserves a family to care for him while making memories together. If you’re that family, you’ll receive training and supports for his needs.

Email Sandy Carroll to learn more about Bobby

“Yolanda”*

Yolanda is a lovable and bubbly girl born in 2016. She enjoys Legos, Crocs, shopping… and purple! Yolanda excels at the school she moved to last year. She’s bright and has a great imagination. She has amazing insight and self-reflection for such a young child. Her adoptive family and professionals will provide the support she needs to heal, grow, and thrive. Yolanda needs parents she can rely on who are patient, consistent, and provide structure. She wants a family where she can feel safe and loved. Yolanda has a younger sister and a grandmother who will remain an important part of her life.

Email Holly Nesdale to learn more about Yolanda

“Avery”*

Connecticut families only. Avery was born in 2018 and is a sweet and bubbly girl. She loves to play outside, go shopping, and do art projects and puzzles. Avery is working with supportive services to heal from past experiences and thrive. She loves to go to school and is a model student in the classroom. She is bright and has a vivid imagination! Avery needs a special family who can be patient and provide structure and consistency. She wants to live in Connecticut to remain near two younger siblings and her foster parents.

Email Sandy Carroll to learn more about Avery

*This is an alias. Their real name is being withheld while they are in ongoing court proceedings.

Photographs by Patty Swanson

Patty is a Certified Professional Photographer. She has received the 2017 CTPPA Award of Excellence, 2015 March of Dimes' Mission Triangle Award, and the 2012 and 2013 Connecticut Photographer of the Year awards in Creative and Art/Electronic Imaging.