Foster Care Information

May is National Foster Care Month, an opportunity to recognize the generosity and commitment of our foster parents and to raise awareness about the need for more families who are willing to open their homes and hearts to children in need. Increasingly, children are finding temporary homes with their relatives or others they know, a positive way for them to find stability.

On this site, you will find a special message from the Children's Division director to our foster parents, links to resources, statistics about our foster children and foster parents, photos from our Blue Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness of the need for foster parents and also from foster parent appreciation activities around the state, and more information about becoming a foster parent.

Thank you for visiting the site, and for helping us celebrate National Foster Care Month and recognize the invaluable contributions of those who provide temporary homes for children in need. Please call 1-800-544-2222 to learn more about becoming a foster parent.

"During our childhood, we learn the majority of life's most important lessons! We learn to love, to trust, to share, to give of ourselves, and to be kind to others."
—Jennifer LaVelle

more . . .

Paula Neese, Children's Division Director, talks about Foster Care Month.

<< View the video >>

A text translation is available.

View the Foster Parent Appreciation Video — Children's Division Director Paula Neese has recorded a special message for foster parents.
Links to Foster Parent Internet Resources — The Children's Division makes every effort to provide support and assistance to foster parents who give so much to care for our children.
Foster Parent Statistical Information — Who are the children and families in Missouri's foster care system?
Make a Difference — If you are not quite ready to commit to full-time foster parenting, there are still other ways you can help.
Foster Care Success — Those who choose to become involved in foster care reap the rewards of touching the lives of children. View testimonials about the ways being involved can change your life.
Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery — Some foster children cannot safely return to their homes and need to find permanency with an adoptive family. The Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery features photos of these children.
Contact Information — Foster parent contacts are available across the state to provide information to foster parents and those wishing to become foster parents.

04/29/08