Missouri Department of Social Services
Adoption in Missouri
There are many Missouri children in foster care who are unable to return to their biological parents and are in need of adoptive parents to provide a permanent home and a family to help them move forward in their life. We encourage all families who are willing to open their homes to assist children in need to learn more about adoption in Missouri. To meet a few of the children looking for a home, visit the Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery.
Who can become an adoptive parent?
In Missouri, you must:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Complete a child abuse/neglect check and criminal record check including fingerprints
- Be in good health, both physically and mentally
- Have a stable income
- Be willing to participate in and complete a free training and assessment process
- Be part of a professional team willing to voice perspectives and concerns
Services and information
- Traditional Foster Care
- Specialized / Therapeutic Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- Adoption
Requirements to become a foster parent
Foster parents receive a maintenance payment to help cover some of the care costs of raising a child. The rate parents receive varies depending on the child's age and their special needs. Foster children also receive a clothing allowance, covering their medical needs.
The Missouri Department of Social Services website shows you the latest rates.
However, these maintenance payments aren't always enough. Everything from school supplies to toys can cut into that budget. Many businesses and organizations are stepping up to help cover the gaps and assist foster families.
Foster Together provides a walk-in shopping service for foster children free of charge. Kids can find new and like-new clothing, toys, car seats, and more.
Foster parents caring for younger children can look to Nurses for Newborns, which provides health assessments, screenings, education, and more support.
Another valuable resource is respite care, which gives foster parents a break when needed. Respite foster care is a temporary service offered by other trained foster families. It's also useful in the event of an emergency situation.
Ratings and Reviews
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Sep 14, 2023
Mr Pratt fixed my food stamps quickly
I appreciate it thank you
Sep 09, 2023
Not crowded at all!...but slow
Jul 17, 2023
Friendly people and very helpful
Jul 01, 2023
Fascist state, attacking women's rights, ruining everything all in the name of christ. Republicans are a blight.
Jun 30, 2023
If you make it there after 12pm they stop accepting people. Don't bother going Monday. They said they won't be accepting applications for food stamps until after 4th of July. It was 3 people in front of me and 3 workers. How was I not able to be seen and I was there @12pm?! They don't close until 5pm.
Unprofessional & lazy