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.
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 all contractors and volunteers with access to children, employees, and owners who will have access to the facilities. For more details read 210.493 and
13 CSR 35-71.015.