Families Meet Children In-Person or by Videoconference at Adoption Event

Prospective adoptive families will have an opportunity to meet approximately 20 children, each with the hope of finding a permanent family, at an adoption gathering to be held on Saturday, February 7, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Gainesville Civic Center.

This event, sponsored by the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), will give prospective adoptive parents a unique opportunity to meet the children in a comfortable, fun-filled environment. Families who are unable to attend the gathering in Gainesville can still interact with this same group of children via video on Saturday, February 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. Videoconference sites will be set up at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Brown & Gallo in Atlanta and Augusta, Columbus State University, Macon State College and Valdosta State University.

"These events are dedicated to the children who attend; to help them feel comfortable and have fun," said Mark Washington, assistant commissioner of DHR. "This eases the emotions these children experience when meeting prospective adoptive families. To make this event easier for the adults, we are asking the prospective adoptive families to arrive at the gathering at 9 a.m., a full hour before the children and their case managers arrive, so we can walk them through the event and make it more comfortable for them as well."

There are approximately 2,200 children in Georgia who need adoptive families. They are typically eight years old and older, African American and/or a member of a sibling group being placed together.

Families interested in adopting older children or learning more about the program are encouraged to attend either the event in Gainesville or one of the videoconference sites. To avoid confusion, only children in need of adoptive families should attend the adoption gathering. Families who plan to attend one of the videoconference sites are more than welcome to bring their children.

For more information, call toll-free 877- 242-5774 or visit the Department of Human Resources website at www.dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov/adoptions.