Missouri Governor ? Michael L. Parson

Office of Communications

????????_____________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2020

Governor Parson Orders Capitol Dome and Governor?s Mansion Lighted Purple in Recognition of National Adoption Month

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) ??Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome and Missouri Governor?s 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 People?s 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 features profiles of some of Missouri?s children and youth in foster care. One Missouri family has shared its own personal adoption story here.

?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 Children?s 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 you?re 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, contact their local Children's Division office, or email [email protected] for more detailed information on Missouri?s adoption process.

?###

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