*Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson*

Office of Communications

_____________________________________________________________________________________

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

November 18, 2020

*Governor Parson Orders Capitol Dome and Governors Mansion Lighted Purple in Recognition of National Adoption Month*

*(JEFFERSON CITY, MO)* Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome and Missouri Governors Mansion to shine purple beginning Friday, November 20, 2020, through Sunday, November 22, 2020, in recognition of National Adoption Month.

The dome and Governor's Mansion will light up purple at sunset Friday and remain lit until sunrise each day through the weekend. The color purple represents the 1,579 Missouri children and youth in foster care who are looking for a forever family.

"Most Missourians can't imagine growing up and spending their adult life without their family, *Governor Parson*said. "Every child deserves a family of their own to provide the love, support, and strong foundation they need. This weekend, we light the dome and Peoples House purple to recognize National Adoption Month and open the hearts of Missourians to these special children who dream of a life with an adoptive family.

The Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery [ [link removed] ] features profiles of some of Missouris children and youth in foster care. One Missouri family has shared its own personal adoption story here [ [link removed] ].

When you view the profiles of these amazing kids on the Adoption Heart Gallery, your heart simply melts, said *Joanie Rogers, Interim Director of the Department of Social Services Childrens Division*. For children and youth in foster care who are older, who have siblings, or have special needs, their journey to find a forever family can be long. Waiting is so hard when youre young, and they are so anxious to meet that family they can call their own and begin their new lives together.

To become an adoptive parent you must:


* Be at least 21 years of age
* Complete a child abuse/neglect check and criminal record check including fingerprints
* Be in good health, both physically and mentally
* Have a stable income
* Be willing to participate in and complete a free training and assessment process
* Be part of a professional team willing to voice perspectives and concerns
* Be willing to partner with the child's family

The Department of Social Services (DSS) encourages any Missourian interested in adoption to visit the DSS website [ [link removed] ], contact their local Children's Division office [ [link removed] ], or email [email protected] for more detailed information on Missouris adoption process.

###

________________________________________________________________________

*Contact: Kelli R. Jones*

Communications Director

Work: 573-751-0765

Mobile: 573-508-9072

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov


Follow us on Twitter [ [link removed] ] Visit us on Twitter [ [link removed] ]
Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ]



________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Office of Governor Michael L. Parson PO Box 720 Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 751-3222 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]