I/we keep hearing about something called a Kids-fest, what is this?

Kids-fest is a very controversial program that allows potential adoptive parents to meet available children for adoption. Normally they are set up as a carnival of sorts, where the kids play games or have activities and the prospective adoptive parents are there to help the kids with everything; supervised of course. This gives the prospective parents a chance to meet some kids face-to-face, with the hopes of making a connection. Ask your caseworker for more information on these in your area. They are normally a few hours to all day and are far more personal than looking through a book with photos and descriptions.

Opponents of these types of fairs feel that this is putting the kids on display. That it is very demoralizing and doesn’t give the prospective family an accurate view of the child. Both sides have their points and unfortunately until someone comes up with a better idea that actually works, Kids-Fests (they are often called different things in different parts of the country) will continue.

Families Like Ours holds the option that provided the event is hosted in a respectful manner to all those involved they are often a good tool to find adoptive homes for many children. A great deal of the families we assist are able to make connections with children through these events and become adoptive families.