AdoptUSKids For Families

Missouri Foster and Adoption Guidelines

 

The adoption and foster care process may take some time, but the rewards are well worth the effort. You will find there are many resources available to you, and we recommend that you become involved in as many ways with the foster and adoption community as you feel comfortable.

Contact Information

  • Missouri Department of Social Services Children's Division
    Contact: Sarah Bashore
    Phone: 573-751-0311
    Email: Sarah.Bashore@dss.mo.gov
 

Things You Should Know

 

Foster and Adoption Licensing Requirements

 

In order to adopt or foster in Missouri, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Be in good physical and mental health
  • Complete a child abuse and neglect check and criminal record check including fingerprints
  • Have a stable income
  • Live in an apartment, condominium or home as long as it meets licensing standards
  • Be willing to participate in and complete a free training and assessment process
  • Be a part of a professional team willing to voice perspectives and concerns
  • Be willing to partner with the child’s family
  • Live in an apartment, condominium, or home as long as it meets licensing standards

You can be single or married, with or without children in your home.

 

Costs to Foster and Adopt

 

None

 

Agency Contact and Orientation Information

 

Orientation Information:

To attend an orientation, please contact one of the public, private or nonprofit agencies available through the links below.

Agencies:

Missouri has county-based department of social services offices, nonprofit agencies, and private agencies available to you. Find the social services office for your county. View a list of nonprofit or private agencies in Missouri (PDF - 47KB).

 

Parent Support Groups

 

There are many support groups available, including but not limited to:

  • Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition
    Phone: 800-FOSTER-3 (314-367-8373)
    Address: 1750 South Brentwood Blvd., Suite 210, St. Louis, MO 63144
  • International Families
    Contact: Donna Schnieders
    Address: 538 Oak Court, Webster Groves, MO 63119
  • Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association
    Phone: 816-350-0215
    Address: 3210 S Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, MO 64055
  • Parkland Foster/Adopt Families Support Group
    Contact: Millie Smith
    Phone: 573-358-3512
    Address: 408 North Allen St.,  Bonne Terre, MO 63628
    Meetings are held the last Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
  • Southeast Missouri Adoption Support Groups/Area 3
    Contact: Francis Gould
    Phone: 573-290-5656
    Address: 220 North Fountain, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
  • SW Missouri Foster/Adopt Support Group
    Contact: Angie Swarnes
    Phone: 417-629-3218
    Address: 601 Commercial, Joplin, MO 64801
  • Children’s Home Society of Missouri
    Brentwood Site Phone: 314-968-2350
    St. Charles Site Phone: 636-940-1119
    Meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association (Warren County Chapter – Circuit 12)
    Contact: Cathy Pritchett
    Email: cathy@logicblast.com
    Phone: 314-583-1716 
    Address:103 Morgan Trails Court, Warrenton, MO 63383
  • Foster & Adoptive Parent Support Group Serving Miller and Camden Counties
    Contact: Cheryl Snapp
    Phone: 573-346-3363, Ext. 228
    Address: Calvary Chapel Lake Ozark Church, 126 Highway 42, Kaiser, MO 65047
    Meetings are held the third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m.
  • The Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association (Cole County Chapter)
    Contact: Mindy Ulstad
    Email: ccfosteradopt@gmail.com
    Phone: 573-680-2439
    Address: Memorial Baptist Church, 1120 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO 65101
  • Foster/Adoptive Parents of Mid-Missouri
    Contact: Ed and Selma Shelton
    Phone: 573-657-9656
    Address: Boone County Community and Family Support Center, 1209 E. Walnut, Columbia, MO
    Meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association St. Charles Chapter
    Contact: Rachel Kleinbach, president

    Phone: 716-704-9235

 

Information on Missouri's Waiting Children

 

There are 10,100 children in foster care in Missouri; 1,400 of these children have no identified adoptive parents. You can also learn more about children and adoption resources at Missouri adoption events.

Get Social

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