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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Dec 30, 2021
After so many attempts to call Family Support Division I decided to come and was helped right away. Karen was very nice and quick to help, and it took us about 5-7 minutes from the beginning to the end to complete food stamp interview. I understand that it was beginning of the day and not so crowded but nevertheless we are completely satisfied with quality of services we received today.
Dec 21, 2021
The Gentleman who helped me was Friendly and EXTREMELY knowledgeable
QUICKEST VISIT IN MANY YEARS!
Dec 06, 2021
The number they give you take you in a circle and you still are not able to speak to a person all this is done intentionally because they do not want to talk to the people . The system is not helpful and never have been for the people my tax dollar have been placed in this for what
Nov 16, 2021
Pleasant
Oct 29, 2021
Very rude. Ignore you give no info and they laugh and laugh and play around but they won’t help us and it’s 5 or 6 of them but they just don’t come help all you hear is laughter