Before You Can Adopt...
If you wish to adopt a child in foster care, it is required by the state of Missouri to complete the Specialized Training, Assessment, Resources & Support (STARS) course, as well as a 12-hour Spaulding training course. These free courses can take 4-9 weeks to complete.
Children coming into care most frequently begin with the goal of reunifying with their biological parents and we believe that when safe and appropriate, this is the best first choice for children. Foster parents work to support reunification throughout the child’s time in foster care. If reunification is not possible, the case goal can change to adoption and foster parents can express interest in adopting the child.
Who is Available for Adoption?
The average age of a child in foster care is 9 years old and enters care with their siblings. While infants and toddlers are sometimes available for adoption, the majority of children in state custody are school age. If you are limited to adopting infants or toddlers, we recommend seeking out a private adoption agency.
