The Department of Social Services is participating in a photo project that brings children in need of homes to the forefront.
The Heart Gallery of America features kids from all over the U.S., and in Missouri, who are in foster care and are in need of adoptive parents.
Amy Martin is the adoption program manager for Social Services’ Children’s division. She says 234 children have been placed in homes through the Heart Gallery. There are more than 1,600 children in Missouri in need of a permanent home.
November is national adoption awareness month.
Martin says the gallery of America has photos of single children … and sibling groups. The department strives to keep sibling groups together if possible, and there are some children with special needs as well.
President Ford declared the first National Adoption Week proclamation. In 1990, the week was expanded to all of November.
Missouri’s adoption exchange, at 800.554.2222, will direct those interested to the county of origin or the county of the child’s residence.
There will be a proclamation signing this week at the Capitol; activities across the state will take place in St. Louis County, Ozark, Liberty and others.
Amy Martin talks about the adoption process
Jessica Machetta reports [Download / listen Mp3]
