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To become a licensed foster parent

Foster Parent Inquiry

Most people who can provide an adequate and loving home are eligible to foster. As a foster parent you:

  • Can be single, married, divorced, or separated and living apart from a spouse for 12 months or longer
  • may or may not have birth or adopted children
  • must be at least 21 years of age
  • must be able to financially manage the addition of a child or children to the family, although there are no specific income requirements
  • Must have no criminal history that will prevent you from being licensed
  • Meet a competency based assessment process

Licensing Process

To become a foster parent in the state of Missouri requires a license. This license is obtained from the state of
Missouri

MACF is a private agency that provides foster care and case management services to children in Children’s Division custody. The process to obtain a foster care license takes on average 30 to 90 days and involves several components including (but not limited to)
 
An orientation meeting describing the needs of children needing a foster home will help you make an informed decision about fostering. You will also learn about the foster care licensing process. In Missouri, families must receive a license before the children come to live with them. Licensing ensures that children are placed with nurturing families in homes that meet standards set by the State of Missouri


 

  • an application for licensure
  • criminal background check with fingerprinting
  • training classes (an average of twenty seven hours) provided by the agency
  • home study and interviews

 

 Before issuing a license, the agency will make sure that your home is a safe place for children.  A foster home must meet at least the following:

  • be clean, well ventilated, properly lighted and heated, and free of fire hazards.

  • have a safe water supply.

  • provide protection from poisoning and injury.

  • have room for a child.

  • have an operating telephone or approval for quick access to a telephone.

 

 

 
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