'Meet the Children' events were first organised in the black country in March 2006. Since then we have placed a number of children with families as a result of these events and now hold 2 'Meet the Children' events per year.

The aim of 'Meet the Children' is to ultimately place the children featured with a family. However, the events are also designed to give families like yours, a chance to see some of the children who are waiting, providing you with a choice and putting you in the driving seat. It is also a chance for you to meet the social workers, foster carers and other adopters and prospective adopters going through the same process as yourself.

In a nutshell, once you are approved or are in assessment you may be invited to a 'Meet the Children' event unless you have already been matched with a child or children. The evening lasts approximately 2 hours in which you will get the chance to watch short video's of some of the children waiting for adoptive families. The video's are produced by foster carers and social workers and last approximately 3-4 minutes. Once you have watched the films you will get the chance to look at the children`s displays which include artwork they have done, certificates they have achieved, stories they have written etc.  The display's are designed to give you an insight into their personality. During this period you will get the chance to speak to the children`s social workers and foster carers. We also hope you take this opportunity to speak to other adopters in the same position as yourselves.

We feature between 15-20 children at each event. The children are of all ages, from 2+, girls and boys, single children and sibling groups. The children come from a variety of backgrounds and have many different needs.

At the end of the evening we will ask you to think about the children you have seen featured and contact us if you wish to express your interest and be considered as prospective adoptive parents for any of the children featured. 

These events have been extremely successful and feedback from families has been excellent.  The evenings are very informal with drinks and canapes served throughout the evening.

It is important to remember though that the purpose of the evening is to raise your awareness of the children waiting. You may not necessarily be considered for the children featured but it is a chance for you to learn more about the children and have a chat with members of the team and social workers from other neighbouring authorities, as well as the opportunity to talk to other families in the same position as yourselves.