Is there such a thing as

[One tattered Angel]

Adoption fairs? I guess over the years I have watched to much tv. I remeber watching movies years ago where people go to a adoption fair and pick out a child the like then they take the children home either that day or a few weeks later after all the paperwork is over.

[eeyoremom]

I know they used to be done when our country had orphanages, but I don't know or think anyone does them now. Of course, there has been talk of orphanages being brought due to all the abuse happening in foster homes.

[Calantha]

I have a friend who adopted her little girl through the state of Illinois. When we first started considerring adoption, she told us about something similar to what you're asking. She said that the state ran them several times a year for the children who were available for adoption through DCFS. I don't know much else about it, she had recommended that I call DCFS or Catholic Charities if I was interested in going that route.
Good luck!
-Brandy

[Kittycat]

I sure hope not!

I don't think that would be right for the kids to be put in a situation where they are being chosen or rejected like that. That sounds terible for the child. If the child were old enough to understand what it was about it could be devastating if they were not chosen and someone else was, or someone commented on them as positive or negative in some way. Kids are not a product to choose from... and I know you didn't mean it that way but if I was the child I would think of it that way.

[One tattered Angel]

Ok I guess I worded things wrong. First I was just wondering if they did that. I agree with you to that it would be hurtful Kittycat. Sorry I made you mad. The reason I mainly want to know is because I can sit on the computer for hours and can see faces but hearing the child talk or laughing or to see how they act might make me pick a child I never would have thought about or maybe they did not think they would like our family. I think the adoptive child if old enough should have a choice just like we are given at what they want for a family. Im sorry If I still upset you by wording this Im not good with words.

[Calantha]

Actually, according to my friend's decsription, that's not the way it happens at all. Basically what she said was that they have a "fair" for the children. A carnival of sorts. Prospective adoptive parents are able to attend this carnival and spend time with the kids. It's not like the kids are being lined up against a wall and the parents are pointing and commenting at them. There are games, prizes, etc and the kids are just there to have a good time. It's a chance for the parents to see ALL of the kids interacting and have some fun with them. If they feel they have a connection with a certain child, they are able to inquire about that child after it's over. I don't think it's any worse than having an adoptable kids photolisting. The difference is here you get to know the children and their personalities rather than just picking or choosing (photolostings are STILL CHOOSING one child over another) based on what the child looks like.

[Lisa67]

What Calantha described happens here in MA==I don't remember if it's once or twice a year but a local furniture store sponsors these types of fairs. Sometimes it's at Fenway Park or some other large venue where the kids are brought for some good ole fashioned fun--and prospective parents can attend and meet & talk with kids--or just look on from a distance.

I think it's a neat environment to get the kids (usually older) out to a place they may never get to experience if not for this program.

I suggest looking into your DSS program and see what they might have to offer. Good luck!

[One tattered Angel]

Lisa67 & Calantha thanks you nailed it on the head. Thanks for helping me I did not want people upset with what I was asking.

[Kittycat]

I'm sorry if I cam across as being upset by the post. Your question didn't make me angry at all, I was just trying to give a possible child's point of view. The way it's been described sounds ok, really. In fact, it sounds like it may be a good idea.... I had a totally different picture in my mind. I adopted an infant baby girl and she is my precious angel. If you are adopting an older child it would be great to choose by getting to know them in such a setting, but it's all about the setting and what the children's comprehension of it is.

[One tattered Angel]

I agree! Thank you!

[JenniferEnsoll]

I just wanted to post on how they do it here in Canada.

Once you apply for local adoption. Their is a showcase twice a year.

Once you have your homestudy done you can attend.

Sat you attend meetings with regards to adoption.
Sunday agencies from all over the Ontario area come with profiles and videos of children they have for adoption.

In Ontario the thing to keep in mind is that the children who are showcased are what they classify as hard to adopt. Sometimes they have emotional, physical handicaps. Sometimes it is siblings that are hard to adopt together. The agency told me that they don't usually send people there. You can choose to go if you are looking to adopt a special child.

Just thought I would give you how they do it here. Hope that helps.

Jenn