IMPORTANT: On July 14, 2021 Governor Parson signed into law HB557. All license-exempt facilities must register with DSS. According to 13 CSR 35-71.015, all licensed and license-exempt residential care facilities and child placing agencies must ensure that background checks on all new and current employees have been completed by March 31, 2022, unless the facility or agency has received an approved extension attached prior to the deadline.

The Children’s Division is responsible for the licensing and background checks of child placing agencies and residential care facilities for children and youth in Missouri. The Division must also be notified of any license-exempt residential care facility providing 24-hour care for children that they are operating in Missouri and comply with all requirements according to law.

NOTE: Unless specifically exempted by law, private agencies providing residential treatment for children and youth, and child placing agencies that provide foster home and/or adoption services, must be licensed by the Children’s Division.

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Licensed

Information for licensed
residential care facilities.

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License-Exempt

Notify DSS you are operating in Missouri.

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Child Placing Agency

Information for agencies responsible
for placing children in care.

Background Checks

In order to ensure a safe environment for children, Missouri law requires all licensed and license-exempt residential care facilities and child placing agencies ensure background checks are completed on anyone in the facility who has access to children. This includes officers, managers, contractors, volunteers, employees, and any other support staff. For more details read 210.493 and 13 CSR 35-71.015.