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.
Rafael Sanchez-Delgado
Apr 25, 2018

Terrible. The workers are lazy and you go to the office several time for same problem but in the end , nobody know, you need call to main office .

Rating: 1
Yafuna Gaming (doubleflame)
Apr 05, 2018

Around noon they are gone to lunch for HOURS.

Rating: 1
Bonita Crape-Williams
Mar 14, 2018

Better since renovation.

Rating: 3
Dashae Johnson
Mar 14, 2018

Horrible

Rating: 1
Ms. Smith
Mar 13, 2018

Terrible! They ask u to turn in info and when u do they act like they can't find it in the system. If u try to call the 1-855 number they have u on hold for a hr then someone inexperienced answers and don't know what they're doing. U give them information and they forget to put it in the system. Then when u go online it's always saying the server is down so it's like how do you apply for anything?????? And going into the office OMG!! POINTLESS!! 😒

Rating: 2