Adoption Activity Days

Adoption activity days are events where prospective adopters have the opportunity to meet a range of children who need adoptive placements. A number of these events were run in the past in the UK in the 1970’s and early 80’s.

Experience from the USA

We have had to look to the USA for current experience and practice in this area. Statistics from the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange in Boston which has facilitated adoption parties for 30 years demonstrate that adoption parties are twice as effective as any other method of family finding for children. 11- 14% of children profiled in the media are placed in an adoptive family compared with 30% of children who attend an adoption party. Given the success of these events in the USA in linking and matching children it is hoped that facilitating such events here will hopefully enhance the chances of finding families for those children who may otherwise miss the opportunity of having a permanent family.

The aims of the pilot project

This is a pilot project externally funded and managed by BAAF, with Bridget Betts as Project Manager. It will run for two years from January 2011 to January 2013. The aim is to facilitate four activity days in partnership with agencies in the East Midlands Consortium over the two years of the project. Given the success of these events in the USA in linking and matching children, it is hoped that facilitating such events here will hopefully enhance the chances of finding families for those children who may otherwise miss the opportunity of having a permanent family.

How the project is managed

A steering group with representatives from the participating agencies in the consortium provides external governance and guidance for the project. Initially this project will involve children who have a placement order and adopters who are approved or have a date set for panel within three months. The project may consider working at a later date with children whose plan is permanent fostering. The project was established to involved both adoptive and foster families and hence was initially known as the ‘placement’ activity days project. As the focus for the first events are adoption the project manager and steering group are of the view these events should be known as ‘Adoption Activity Days.’ It was also felt that this would make more sense to children being prepared to participate in an event.

Preparation

A considerable amount of time has been spent preparing social workers, foster carers and children for being involved in an Adoption Activity Day. Protocols for referring children and adopters have been developed and agreed by the steering group along with referral forms and an information pack which includes advice on how to prepare children for a new family alongside guidance on how to specifically prepare them for an activity day.

Attending an Adoption Activity Day may not be right for some children. It may increase their anxieties and they may not be able to manage the stress of attending such an event. Careful consideration is given by partner agencies to the children they chose to refer. It is important to have a ‘team’ around the child to support them before, during and after an Activity Day. Social workers and foster carers need guidance, preparation and support to enable them to effectively support the child.

Preparing children and giving them the opportunity to be actively involved in the family finding process has been one of the biggest challenges of the project so far. Alongside their general preparation for adoption children are prepared specifically for attending an Adoption Activity Day. They know it is going to be a fun day and those children who are of sufficient age and understanding are told that it is an opportunity to meet families who want to adopt and also to meet other children who need a new family.

The first Adoption Activity Day

The first event was held on 8th October 2011 at an activity centre in the Midlands. 39 children attended and 21 adoptive families. The children were aged between 18 months and 9 years - 9 sibling groups of two, one of three and the rest single children. There were 15 approved adoptive families and 6 who were waiting for panel – 3 single carers, 2 gay couples, a lesbian couple and 15 heterosexual couples.

A range of activities were on offer: face painting, soft play, circus skills, balloon modelling, climbing, zip wire, pond dipping, woodland craft and shelter building along with the opportunity to make pirates hats in the pirates cave! The day ended with a picnic, storytelling and party bags. There was laughter and fun and important connections were being made as the afternoon progressed.

The feedback so far from all parties has been positive and further events are planned next year.

We thought the concept of the day was fantastic. I don't think I would have approached some of the children, just by reading their profiles or seeing a picture. It was certainly a very effective way of dispelling some preconceived ideas or anxieties about children waiting for placement.
Prospective adopters

7 children have now been placed in adoptive families following this first event– three single children and two sibling groups of two.

Adoption Activity Day March 2012

A second activity day was held on 24th March 2012 in Nottingham. 41 children attended aged between 8 months and 8 years - 10 sibling groups of two, one of three and 18 single children. There were 16 approved adoptive families and 9 who were waiting for panel – 2 single carers, 1 gay couple and 22 heterosexual couples.

This event focused on younger children and sibling groups, a range of activities were available including giant Lego and soft play, crafts, sports, face painting and circus skills and balloon modelling.

Since the event interest has been expressed in 4 single children, 4 sibling groups of 2 and in the single group of 3.

Once again feedback has been positive.

What a worthwhile event this was! The range of age appropriate activities contributed to a strong party atmosphere for these younger children, without detracting from the purpose of the day for the prospective adopters. I enjoyed it hugely.
Service Manager – Local Authority

Future Events

Events are planned for early July and October.

Evaluation

The project is being externally evaluated by researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University.

Media interest in Adoption Activity Days

• The project has been featured on Woman’s Hour.
• The Guardian's article on adoption parties

If you want to know more

Contact Bridget Betts by email bridget.betts@baaf.org.uk