D S S   P R E S S   R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release:
May 21, 2008

Contact: Sara Anderson
(573) 526-0407

Media Advisory

Boone County Foster Parents to be Recognized as Part of Foster Care Appreciation Month

Columbia — The Boone County Foster Parent Support Group, along with representatives of the Missouri Department of Social Services' Children's Division (CD), will hold a balloon release tomorrow at the Boone County Courthouse. The group will release 127 balloons representing each of the foster, kinship and relative licensed foster homes in Boone County.

"Missouri is so fortunate to have the foster families it does," said CD Director Paula Neese. "These families provide care for children who cannot safely remain in their own homes. By unselfishly opening their hearts and homes, they make an investment in the future of that child, the family and the community. I am truly thankful for all they do."

The ultimate goal of the Children's Division is to reunite children with their families when this can be safely accomplished. The state relies on foster families to provide loving, nurturing homes while the family works toward safely reuniting. Children do best when they are placed in familiar settings such as with relatives or other adults known to the child such as neighbors, family, or friends or families within the church. The division first looks to these individuals or families when a child comes into care seeking to find the best fit for the child.

Who:

Boone County Foster Parent Support Group
Missouri Children's Division

What:

Balloon release recognizing the dedication of Boone County foster families.

When:

Thursday, May 22, 2008; 1:00 p.m.

Where:

Boone County Courthouse (Southside)
705 E. Walnut
Columbia, MO 65201