The Department of Family Services and Catholic Charities partnered with the Adoption Exchange to host the 8th annual Adoption Fair on Saturday, Nov. 6 at the Clark County Government Center.

The Adoption Fair facilitates “forever families” for Nevada’s 150 children in foster care waiting for a permanent home, of which 90 are in Clark County. Parents and professionals who are interested in providing a permanent home for local children eligible for adoption attended the event.

Representatives from public and private adoption agencies were on hand at the fair, including the Clark County Department of Family Services and Catholic Charities. Court Appointed Special Advocates representing children in foster care and various foster care agencies answered questions and provided information on how interested citizens can help abused and neglected children in other ways besides adoption. Additionally, local experts conducted seminars to potential adoptive parents and families.

“So many kids have been placed in permanent, loving homes since the fair’s inception,” said Department of Family Services Director Susan Klein-Rothschild. “The Adoption Fair was an excellent opportunity for interested parents and families to learn and inquire about the rewards of being an adoptive or foster care family.”

Established eight years ago by the Adoption Exchange, the Adoption Fair was free and featured entertainment, refreshments and carnival games for kids and families.

The Adoption Exchange is a non-profit child welfare organization founded in 1983 to work for the safety and permanence in the lives of foster children. Since its inception, the agency has helped find families for more than 4,100 children with a broad range of special needs.