PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENT LETTER

SOUTH CAROLINA COUNCIL ON ADOPTABLE CHILDREN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 19, 2003

 

 

 

 

Dear Prospective Adoptive Parent:

 

You are cordially invited to be a part of a very special day for some of South Carolina’s children who are waiting on loving homes.  The children and prospective parents will join together in a day filled with fun, merriment, food, and laughter.  Children laugh on the average of 40 times a day so pull out the child in you and prepare to do the same.  It’s their day so let’s all help make it special.

 

This very special day will be held on Saturday,  April 26, 2003 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the University of South Carolina Blatt P.E. Center Soccer Field located on the corner of Sumter Street and Wheat Street in Columbia, SC (see attached flyer for directions).  The Parent Orientation will begin promptly at 9:30 am and is mandatory.  This portion of the party is a requirement.  In order to attend the party you must be approved to adopt and attend the orientation on time.  The SC Council on Adoptable Children and SC Department of Social Services is sponsoring this party.  Lunch will be provided and your admission cost is enough juice, water or sugar free drinks and fruit or finger food for a family of six.

 

We welcome you to join the party and meet some terrific children who are waiting for their “forever families”.  Although the children will be aware that prospective adoptive parents will be attending, we ask that you keep in mind this is foremost a party for children.  We are most concerned the children have a great time and do not feel “looked over” or “on display”.  Please keep in mind the following suggestions:

 

  1. Be prepared to assist with the party activities and play with the children on their levels.

  2. Remember that these children have experienced unhappy situations.  Please be careful what you say.

  1. The children may be uneasy because of strange surroundings and new people; do not overload them with questions.

  2. Express interest in whatever activity captures the child’s attention.

  3. Show friendly interest in all the children; bend or stoop to their eye level when you talk to them.  Let a child reach out to you before you touch him/her.

  4. If a child should ask you to take them home with you, thank him/her for asking and remind him/her gently that he/she will go home with the person who brought them.

  5. If a child interests you, please notice his nametag and request more information from an agency worker when there are no other children around.  There will also be written information available.

  6. Try not to be obvious about observing the children.

  7. DO NOT POINT—DO NOT POINT—DO NOT POINT!!!

  8. Dress in casual, comfortable clothes – something you can get dirty in!  This helps you and the children feel at ease.  Comfortable shoes are a must.

  9. Leave children at home.  Your children will not be allowed to attend.  This is necessary in order to insure that the children in attendance are those who are available for adoption.  We do not want to take away from the children who are to be the center of the attention for this day.

  10. Relax, have fun, and enjoy yourself!

 

Last year’s party was successful, and we expect to have even more fun this year.  In the past, this party has been helpful in helping more than one family find their child.  Do not miss this wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with special children who are waiting for a special home.  Could you be a “forever family” for one or more of these children?

 

We look forward to having you join us for this special day!!

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Juanita Seon

Executive Assistant

 

Attachments

 

www.SC-ADOPT.org