Approximately 20 children, each with the hope of finding a permanent family, and prospective adoptive families will have the opportunity to get acquainted at an adoption gathering and video conference on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Northwest Georgia Trade & Convention Center in Dalton.

This event, sponsored by the Division of Family and Children Services' Adoption Unit, will give prospective adoptive parents a unique opportunity to meet the children in a comfortable, fun-filled environment. Families considering adoption that are unable to attend the gathering in Dalton can still interact with the same group of children via video. Video conference sites will be set up at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Brown & Gallo in Atlanta, Brown & Gallo in Augusta, Columbus State University, Macon State College, and Valdosta State University.

"We know these events may seem overwhelming for families the first time they attend, but they can be very helpful in the matching process," said Shamim Neal-Backus, state recruitment manager. "Not only do these events help prospective adoptive families learn more about the children than what is printed on a piece of paper, they also help the case managers learn more about the families they select than what is written in their home study."

There are approximately 2,200 children in Georgia in need of adoptive families. They are typically eight years old and older, African American and/ or a member of a sibling group being placed together. Families interested in adopting older children or learning more about the program are encouraged to attend either the event in Dalton or one of the video conferences. To avoid confusion, only children in need of adoptive families should attend the adoption gathering.

For more information, call toll-free, 877- 242-5774, or visit the Department of Human Resources website at www.dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov/adoptions.