What is the role of a foster parent?
Foster parents are an invaluable part of a team that works together to ensure the health and safety of children in need of a nurturing home. Missouri is always looking for foster parents to provide safe and caring temporary homes for children whose families are currently unable to care for them.
Who can become a foster parent?
Many people think you have to be married or own your own home, but that is not the case. As long as your housing and income are stable and meet licensure standards, and there is room in your home and heart for more family members, you could potentially become a foster 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
- Be willing to partner with the child's family
Getting Started
Complete these three simple steps to become a foster parent in Missouri:
1
Contact Us
- Contact the Children’s Division at 800-554-2222 or by email at Moheartgallery@raisethefuture.org, to set up a time to meet with us
- We will go over services and the rewards and challenges of being a foster parent
2
Apply
- Submit an application for a foster parent license
- Complete a free child abuse and criminal background screening
3
Approved
- Once you have completed your application, you will be assigned a Children's Division team member who will walk you through your home study and pre-service trainings
- You will also need to review the following documents:
Foster Parent License
Once you successfully complete your training and home assessments, you will become a licensed foster parent in Missouri. Your name will then be placed into a confidential database that will allow our local children’s service workers to find you as a resource to temporarily care for a child in need.
Even if you are a licensed foster parent, you can choose not to take a child into your home if the time is not right for you. We understand that everyone's situation is different. What is important to us is that we have families who are licensed and ready so that if the timing is right, we can place a child in a safe, nurturing environment.