D S S   P R E S S   R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release:
June 6, 2006

Contact: Deborah Scott
(573) 751-4815

DSS Director Asks Attorney General to
Reverse Withdrawal in Gay Foster Parent Appeal

Jefferson City - Department of Social Services Director, Gary Sherman wrote a letter to Attorney General Jay Nixon today expressing his strong disapproval of the AG's action in withdrawing the appeal in the case of Lisa Johnston, a lesbian seeking a foster care license in Missouri.

"It is outrageous that the Attorney General would withdraw an appeal on a case of such importance to children without consultation with his client and without his client's consent." The Director's letter asks Nixon to withdraw his unauthorized motion.

Sherman added, "The Department will always fight for the best interest of children. We do not believe this case is moot. There are compelling arguments regarding the best interest of children that need to be heard by the Missouri Supreme Court." Sherman went on to say that the issue is not the ability of gay/lesbian individuals to provide a loving environment, but rather what is in the best interest of abused and neglected children in terms of a foster placement that does not add to the trauma and confusion they are already experiencing.

"Adults in our society can not agree on whether or not an alternative lifestyle is acceptable. Why would we place children who are already at risk in the center of that controversy?" Sherman added. "Abused and neglected children are trying to recover and heal; they need their lives to be simple, not more complex."

• View the letter from Director Sherman