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In Pennsylvania, youth can remain in foster care until the age of 21. Many of the matching events listed on this page provide families with opportunities to meet older youth in care who are in need of permanency. Even though many of these youth are on their way to young adulthood, they continue to need permanent connections and a family to support, love and care for them. To learn more about this group of older youth please visit the Waiting Children section and use the Search Kids tool and search by age range 17 to 20.
Monday, January 27, 2025
The Philadelphia DHS Virtual Matching Monday Event!
This virtual event will allow prospective families to learn more about youth with special needs in Philadelphia County who are seeking their forever families. These youth will range from ages 14-20. If you would like to attend, please register by scanning the QR code in the flyer or by clicking the registration link.
- When: Monday, January 27, 2025
- Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
- Where: Virtual (Zoom)
- Registration: Register for the event
- More information: Contact Lauren Flint at lauren.flint@phila.gov
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) and Independent Living Services (IL) Matching Reception
Save the date! The Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth and Families, Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN), and Independent Living Services (IL) will sponsor a Matching Reception on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the 2025 SWAN/IL Winter Statewide Meeting, held at The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, 215 Innovation Boulevard, State College, PA 16803. The Matching Reception is a great way to introduce prospective and approved adoptive families to county caseworkers and affiliate workers conducting child-specific recruitment. It’s a prime opportunity to showcase children directly to families and the agencies representing them. Registration information for both families and affiliates will be coming soon!
- When: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
- Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Where: The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center; 215 Innovation Boulevard, State College, PA 16803
- Familt Registration Information: https://web.cvent.com/event/c2226675-d837-4083-9a55-bcbb9c3436f0/summary
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
The Bair Foundation's Sweet Treats Matching Event
Save the date for The Bair Foundation's Sweet Treat's Matching Event! Waiting Families, Waiting Youth, and Agencies come interact, engage in crafts & games, and enjoy some “Sweet Treats”. There will be a professional photographer (by appointment only) available for waiting youth! A formal invitation and RSVP details will be sent out the first week of February 2025!
- When: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
- Time: 5 p.m.
- Where: Harrisburg, PA
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Older Youth Matching Event!
Join the Adoption Center and Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network for an older youth matching event. This in-person event will bring together amazing youth and prospective families to meet, hang out, and get to know each other. This event will be open to families with an approved family profile/home study and youth age 12 and up. Guided activities will provide many opportunities for everyone to really engage with one another.
- When: Saturday, April 12, 2025
- Time: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Where: Southeast Pennsylvania (full address will be shared once successfully registered)
- Registration: Begins February 3, 2025
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), which is in part comprised of the Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF) complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.