One simple statistic reminds us of the importance of recognizing Adoption Awareness Month this November: Nearly 1,600 youths are waiting and hoping to find forever homes with loving families.
Gov. Mike Parson signed a proclamation designating November 2021, as Adoption Awareness Month in Missouri to encourage all Missourians to educate themselves regarding the need for adoptive families and support adoptive parents in their communities.
"As we enter the holiday season and Missourians prepare to enjoy quality time with their friends, family and loved ones, we are reminded of the need to support the children in our state that may lack a stable home or loving family," Parson said. "Every child needs and deserves to be loved and cared for by a family of their own. This November, during Adoption Awareness Month, we encourage Missourians to consider adoption and to always support adoptive families. We must open our hearts, our homes and our lives to these special children that ask only for a family."
National Adoption Month has rightly gained more traction since 1976 when Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis announced an Adoption Week to promote awareness of the need for adoptive families for children in foster care. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Adoption Week in 1984, and President Bill Clinton expanded that to the entire month of November in 1995.
Each of those 1,600 Missouri children who are waiting for a home deserve to be in a safe, loving and permanent environment.
Perhaps one of them would brighten your life of the life of someone you know.
You could potentially become an adoptive parent if you: Are at least 21 years of age; complete a child abuse/neglect check and criminal record check including fingerprints; are in good health, both physically and mentally; have a stable income; are willing to participate in and complete a free training and assessment process; and are willing to voice perspectives and concerns as part of a professional team.
We joined Parson in recognizing the month. Adoption is a symbiotic relationship that's a win for the adopters and adoptees, and we hope the state continues and increases its efforts to successfully pair the two.
News Tribune