Missouri Department of Social Services

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Contact Information

3101 Chouteau Ave
St. Louis, MO 63103
United States
Online Contact Form
DayHours
Monday 8 AM-5 PM
Tuesday 8 AM-5 PM
Wednesday 9 AM-5 PM
Thursday 8 AM-4:45 PM
Friday 8 AM-4:45 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Social Media

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

Average user rating

2.9 / 5
Rating breakdown
5
4
3
2
1
If you have an experience with this agency, please write a review.
Zoe-Shalom grantee absolute
Jan 17, 2018

govern yourself accordingly,,,

Rating: 5
Rosalyn Marie
Feb 05, 2017

I miss going on newstead to prince hall building where it more organized idk what's hard about typing info into the computer off the forms. I'm glad I go up there once every blue moon

Rating: 1
Nia X
Jan 30, 2017

For this to be a government establishment, not all but the majority of them act as if you're just the lowest of the lowest just because you need assistance. They need to take a communications and moral class💯

Rating: 1
Patricia Canada
Nov 30, 2016

Very informative and aware staff

Rating: 5
Rebecca Frazier
Nov 18, 2016

Only because I have calling them for over a week about child care assistance no answer .. Never pick the phone up . I work full time so i can't always just go down there but imma have to call off one day and go down there .

Rating: 1