November 10 was the 2009 Missouri  Adoption Heart Gallery Celebration and National Adoption Month Proclamation in Jefferson City. 

This last year there have been 1,077 adoptions completed by the State of Missouri Children’ Division.   In the last five years there have been over 160 in our 4-County (Madison, St. Francois,  Washington, and Ste. Genevieve) Circuit. 

There are about 2,000 children in Missouri still needing an adoptive home.

The Missouri  Adoption Heart Gallery is one of the most effective ways this state has to help children find adoptive homes.  Of the 242  kids photographed this year, 63 have a family in progress.   The Heart Gallery has been a wonderful addition to our recruitment efforts as the photographs of the children are professionally done and represent the Child’s personality.   A picture really does say a thousand words. 

The Heart Gallery traveled and sat in 13 different areas of the State of Missouri.

We are always in need of foster and adoptive families and if someone would like further information they can contact us at the office 573-431-6592.