FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2, 2022

Missouri celebrates National Foster Care Month

Jefferson City, MO - Governor Parson signed a proclamation designating May Foster Care Month in Missouri, a time to recognize the vital role of foster parents and their support of children in need of loving, temporary homes.

“Foster parents provide the security, safety, and stability that children entering care so desperately need,” said Robert Knodell, Department of Social Services Director. "We are thankful to Governor Parson for recognizing May as Foster Care Month as we celebrate Missouri’s foster, relative, and kinship parents and thank them for their significant contributions. We also extend our gratitude to the entire child welfare team who continue to work tirelessly to make sure Missouri’s most vulnerable children are safe, protected, and given the tools they need to heal.”

More than 14,000 children and youth are in Missouri foster care. Foster parents can also be an important support to the child’s parents when family reunification is the goal.

There is always a need for more foster families in Missouri, especially for older youth or sibling groups. When a community has more foster families, it means it is more likely a child can remain close to the life, community, school, friends, and people they know and be matched with a family that can best serve the child’s needs.

You could potentially become a foster parent if you:

• Are at least 21 years of age
• Complete a child abuse/neglect check and criminal record check including fingerprints
• Are in good health, both physically and mentally
• Have a stable income
• Are willing to participate in and complete a free training and assessment process
• Are willing to voice perspectives and concerns as part of a professional team
• Are willing to partner with the child's family

To learn about more about foster care or ways to help area kids and families, visit the DSS website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. If you are unable to become a foster parent, there are many ways you can still help children living with foster families in your community.

The mission of the Department of Social Services is to empower Missourians to live safe, healthy, and productive lives.

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