One of Diagrama’s approved adopters, Jenny, attended an Adoption Activity Day in Bristol, recently, with our social worker Mary Cody.

The day allowed prospective adopters to meet children waiting to be adopted in a supportive, safe and fun environment.

The event was entirely child-centred with soft play, arts and crafts, face painting (see Mary and Jenny joining in the fun!) and games.

Jenny was able to play with the children and talk to their foster carers, who were also present.

Meeting children in this setting allows a very different experience to reading written profiles on a child awaiting adoption or watching a video.

This approach helps dispel some of the preconceived ideas that can exist around about children who need adoptive families.

Around 20 children were there on the day. Jenny met two children there that she would really like to learn more about and see whether she could meet their needs. 

Jenny said: “The Adoption Activity Day was, initially, both exciting and nerve-wracking but, once there, it was clear how immensely beneficial meeting children face-to-face is when compared to reading profiles, etc.”

“The chance to firstly play, interact and see the children as children, rather than read about their issues and backgrounds first, cannot be underestimated and can give you a different view of a child, as well as the chance to speak to their foster carers and social workers/family finders.”

“I found it an amazing and enjoyable day and, for me, I preferred the option of being able to meet the children first. I would highly recommend them and would, definitely, attend one again; there were plenty of activities of all types for the children, so I think they had a fun day too!''

If you would like to find out more about adoption and how you could transform the life of a vulnerable child, come along to one of our information events.