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This is an article from our local paper this morning. I may try and gather a little more in depth information over the next couple of weeks and post a thread. If any of y'all know anyone who might be interested in participating, it might be a very worthwhile trip. I know there are people out there who would be willing to adopt some of these kids.

Wanted: 'Forever families'

YELLVILLE — There are 440 children in Arkansas who are looking to find "forever families." These foster children are legally ready for adoption, with more kids each day whose connections to their biological families are severed.

The North Central Arkansas Adoption Coalition is an organization that is looking for solutions in the way of foster and adoptive families. To that end, the coalition is organizing an adoption picnic for the children of the 14th Judicial District (Baxter, Boone, Marion and Newton counties) and beyond.

The picnic is set for Oct. 15 at the First Baptist Church in Harrison.

Organizers decided to hold a picnic after a presentation by John Steinberg, who organizes a similar program in Springfield, Mo. Several members of the coalition observed the Springfield picnic in June.

The event provides an opportunity for prospective adoptive parents to interact with children. All of the kids are prepared for the experience by their social workers, and most enjoy it, Steinberg said.

"We have all sorts of activities for the kids, and it really is a fun day for them," he told Coalition members.

In the four years Steinberg has run the Springfield picnic, the Missouri Division of Family Services has placed no fewer than 17 children after each event.

Each prospective adoptive parent is put through a quick orientation at the start of the picnic. They are required to watch a 2003 "60 Minutes" report on adoption picnics, as well as go over a few ground rules.

The children are color-coded by county and their social worker is coordinated with them. This provides an easy way for prospective parents to find out more about a specific child from someone familiar with his/her history.

Once on the church grounds, families and children alike will be greeted by several different activities.

Suzie Evans, an attorney ad litem for the 14th Judicial District, said the group encourages church groups and other community organizations to sponsor a game or a booth.

The group would then be responsible for providing volunteers to run the game throughout the day, leaving social workers and coalition members free to supervise and answer questions.

The activities may include finger painting, kites, inflatable games, basketball, softball or ring toss.

Peggy Johnson, a coalition member, said she secured a dump truck for the day. Other activities confirmed at this time include a fire truck, a pony with a cart, a clown, face painters and a barrel train.

The coalition will continue to meet throughout the summer and early fall to plan the picnic. Anyone interested in helping can contact Shirley Spitzer at 431-5594 or sspitzer10@hotmail.com.