The goal of the child welfare system is to protect children and provide services to help them stay at home. When the court decides that staying home is not in the best interest of the child, they may be placed in out of home care—also known as foster care. When a child is unable to safely return home, the court may terminate the parental rights of the birth parents. At that point a child may be in need of a permanent home through adoption.

We encourage all families who are willing to open their homes to assist children in need to learn more about foster care and adoption in Missouri.

Foster Care

Child Care Family Information

Adoption

Child Care Providers Information

Family Resource Centers

Family Resource Centers Information