Professional Portraits Taken Nationwide
Knowing how important a good photo is to recruitment, AFFEC is now offering free, professional photos for child bulletins. We are committed to a fast photography process and promise to begin coordinating the photo session upon receiving the photo request. We have a large list of Oregon photographers but have increased our photography volunteers to spread throughout each state. We provide this service nationally. As soon as we receive the .jpg images from the photographer we will email them to the caseworker for their use and then will continue with the recruitment process as the referral form specifies. Ready to refer a child? Please fill out the referral form, and we'll reach out to you as soon as we can.
Heart Galleries
The Heart Gallery exhibits portraits of current foster children to raise awareness of the needs of waiting children. Professional photographers volunteer to take compelling portraits showcased in the Heart Galleries, which are then displayed in high-traffic areas across Lane County alongside the child's bio and a link to their listing. These beautifully framed and matted portraits then get displayed along with the children’s biographies in various venues. On average, we receive over 50 inquiries per week about these children. DHS foster/adoption orientation class size, adoption inquiries, and general applicants to DHS have more than doubled since the inception of the Heart Gallery. For more information about the Heart Gallery, please click here.
How To Prepare Your Child For A Photo Session
- Does your child understand that you are searching for their forever family?
- Discuss the purpose of the Heart Gallery.
- Show the child examples of other children's photographs and bios.
- Talk about what the child likes and dislikes about various recruitment methods.
- Are there specific areas your child does not want to see their photos?
- If age appropriate, allow your child to give input into what is said in their bio and allow them to choose their favorite photos.
Child Biographies
When a child's photo is displayed at a local Heart Gallery, it is accompanied with a brief biography of the child. If you do not include a brief biography alongside your submission, one will be provided for you by AFFEC.
When writing a biography, please try to limit the character count to a maximum of 700 characters. A child's biography should highlight their personality, favorite hobbies, plans for the future, hopes and dreams, and what type of household would be best suited for them. Here are a list of sample questions that can help form a child's biography:
- What are your favorite subjects in school?
- What activities do you enjoy?
- What does your dream day look like?
- What makes you laugh?
- What do you like most about yourself?
- What is your dream job?
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
- What is your favorite food?
- What is your favorite time of year?
