Adopting in Missouri
There are hundreds of children awaiting permanent families in Missouri. Many of these children are in sibling groups that need to stay together. Due to the current apprehension about recent attempts to cut Missouri adoption subsidies, Missouri will likely be in need of many more families to step forward to adopt Missouri's waiting children.
Missouri has a limited photo-listing available for view. The Missouri state photolisting is located at http://www.dss.mo.gov/cd/adopt/. In addition to the photolisting, the state website provides important information regarding Missouri adoption. Missouri children can also be found at the www.adoptuskids.org national website.
Importantly, the Missouri photolisting information is not for all counties in Missouri. Many counties in Missouri do not place their waiting children on the website. As a result, it is necessary to contact your local county office to get information about waiting children. Your local county office may have photo books for you to review which profile waiting children in your area.
Prior to viewing the photolisting, however, you will need to be qualified to adopt. In the state of Missouri, there are classes you must take prior to adoption. These involve foster care classes and a separate set of adoption classes. The hours total approximately 40 hours. You will also need a current homestudy which can be provided through your local state agency.
Importantly, due to cuts on social programs in the state of Missouri, your local county office may seem overworked and understaffed. As a result, if you are interested in adopting a child or a sibling group, you will need to make sure the office knows that you are seriously interested in moving forward. You may need to make several phone calls before things start to progress.
Further information about Missouri state adoption programs can also be found on the website for the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) at http://www.nacac.org/stateprofiles/missouri.html. The information on the site should be used as a general guide as policies can and do change.
Many of the statutes related to adoption in Missouri are also available on the internet. For instance, Section 453 of the Missouri Revised Statutes is the basis for much of Missouri adoption law and procedure. Section 453 can be found at http://www.moga.state.mo.us/STATUTES/C453.HTM. Importantly, while the statutes can be helpful background information, if you have specific questions or issues, it is always best to contact a lawyer experienced in adoption for clarification and advice directed to your particular issues.
Again, there are many waiting children in the state of Missouri who need good, stable homes in order to thrive. If you are interested in opening your home and heart to one or more of these children, please visit the sites listed and then contact your local county office for more information.
I certify that I am the author or sole owner of the material I am submitting to Adoption Media, LLC. Adoption Media, LLC and its licensees may reproduce, distribute, publish, display, edit, modify, create derivative works and otherwise use the material for any purpose in any form and on any media. I agree to indemnify Adoption Media, LLC for all damages and expenses that may be incurred in connection with the material.
Helping birth mothers find the right adoptive family.
Robert & Susan (NJ)are hoping to adopt
A Service of Adoption Profiles, LLC
