I have always met with a parent and the child except for one. It worked out just fine. Single mom was moving to the City and was in for an interview and to look at rental suites and let her daughter with grandma. Worked out fine and I have had her for 2.5 years already.

You can't always tell from that one meeting how the child will be. I had a meeting with one family and the girl threw an absolute tantrum when they were leaving. I did accept her into care and she was fine (knew she couldn't get away with it from me), I had her for 2 years and her younger sister eventually for 6 months until mom decided to quit her job and stay home. Another interview I had with a great family and the boy was so wonderful and polite. He was one of my most difficult children. I had him for a year and was so happy when he left.

Its always a gamble with every family and child. If the child is able to come I would prefer it and ask the parent if there is a time that would better suit them and their child as you do prefer the child comes to the initial meeting. If it is a matter of the child not being available to come then I would just meet with the parent(s). I have often just met with the mother and not the dad until afterwards. I don't have a problem with it either way.