What to watch
Finding Me a Family CHANNEL 4, 9.00PM
Having started in the US, adoption activity days began in the UK six years ago with the idea of allowing potential parents to meet children waiting to be adopted. But many have also been concerned that the events were little more than “beauty pageants” that would make the children feel rejected if they weren’t chosen (traditionally children are matched via written descriptions and photos). This rewarding documentary follows an event in the Midlands organised by the charity Coram. With more than 2,000 children on the adoption register in the UK, it’s clear from this heart-tugging film that every option is worth exploring – and the days are now seen as a success with one in four of the children being adopted.
It follows 13 prospective adopters (who are advised “not cry in front of the kids”) and 10 children – and their remarkable foster carers – as they meet at a jungle-themed party. Among them are six-yearold Demi and her three younger brothers (sibling groups are more difficult to place – so this may be their last chance of remaining together), and Mark and Jo, who have six children of their own but feel that “If we’ve got it to offer, why can’t we offer it to children that need it?” Simon Horsford