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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.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Adoption Center Older Youth Matching Event
Join the Adoption Center and the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network for an Older Youth Matching event. This in-person matching event will bring together the 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, as well as youth age 12 and up. There will be guided activities for families and youth, which will provide many opportunities for everyone to really engage with one another!
- Title: Adoption Center Older Youth Matching Event
- When: Saturday, March 28, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Where: Southeastern PA (Philadelphia Area); The exact location will be shared once successfully registered
- Registration: Register a youth | Register a family
Saturday, April 11, 2026
The Children's Institute Growing Families Through Adoption Matching Event
Registration for the 19th Annual Growing Families Through Adoption matching event is now open for agencies and families to register! We plan to accommodate as many agency tables as possible, so register early!
The keynote speakers are Maranda and Darien Karenbauer. They were speakers at the Statewide Summer Conference last June and we are very excited to share them with all of you!
- Title: The Children's Institute Growing Families Through Adoption Matching Event
- When: Saturday, April 11, 2026
- Where: The Children's Institute, 6301 Northumberland Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
- Registration: https://www.amazingkids.org/gfta
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
More Than a Glance: An Inquiry Hour with Mazi - Series
Recruiters for youth and families are invited to join us on the 2026 dates for an open house style "Inquiry Hour," where we will showcase and share "More Than a Glance" about the families and children recruited for by Mazi. Families, please note that this event is for professionals only, but feel free to share this information with your workers and request that they join to represent your family!
- When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
- Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Where: Online platform via Microsoft Teams
- For more information: please contact Liz Cady lizcady@maziadoption.org
- Other dates: Tuesday, June 9, 2026; Tuesday, August 18, 2026; Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and Tuesday, December 15, 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026
All Abilities, All Love - An Adoption and Disability Inclusion Discussion and Matching Event for Families and Professionals
Every child deserves a loving, supportive family. Join Bethanna for an inspiring and informative event focused on adoption for children with disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, and other diverse needs.
- When: Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Where: Audubon, PA
- For more information, please contact:
- Mary Ouattara, mouattara@bethanna.org, 267-449-1605
- Alivia Glennan, aglennan@bethanna.org, 267-275-4496
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Families United Network Spring Matching Event
Families United Network will be hosting an in-person matching event in the north-central region!
The event will be open to affiliates and match families!
- When: Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Where: Families United Network Muncy Campus, 33 Ashler Manor Drive, Muncy, PA 17756
- Registration:
- If your agency would like to attend to promote your waiting children and families, please register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJg4do3UcEDy_cn2WoDVM-5m0PLv386VEuPW2taV0paOQi4A/viewform?usp=header
- If a match family would like to attend, here is the registration link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflQ6YG5pUPeGrtfPLU7ll-EFm7T6bWDkAE6zeD78WPk8-rjg/viewform?usp=header
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.