All families face challenges at times, and in some instances a wide range of factors can cause parents to become unable to care for their children. Missouri foster care provides a temporary arrangement for a child when they are not able to live with their biological parents or other natural caregivers. During this time, child welfare professionals work to find the best possible relative, foster family or other placement option for that child until they can safely return home or a permanency plan is identified.

Most of the children and teens in foster care have experienced child abuse or neglect in some capacity. Each state determines how physical, sexual and emotional abuse are defined, and youth enter foster care if it meets these criteria. Neglect can include physical neglect, medical neglect or lack of supervision. Physical neglect includes but is not limited to failure to provide the child with food, clothing or shelter necessary to sustain the life or health of the child.

Foster care is a temporary arrangement for children and teens when their parents or primary caregivers are going through crisis. When youth cannot remain safely in their homes and must enter foster care, the first goal is to safely reunite them with their families as soon as possible. While several factors can cause a child or teen to enter foster care, abuse and/or neglect are the most common reasons. When social workers and courts determine that a home is unsafe for a child, child welfare agencies work diligently with the family to resolve the conflicts or disruptions that led to the child needing foster care. Intensive, family-centered services are provided by social workers to make progress towards a safe, supportive family.

The children range in ages from birth to twenty-one years. Our teenage population has the greatest need for loving families at this time. We also have a need for families to care for sibling groups of three or more children.

The most common outcome for children in foster care is a safe reunification with their families. Nationwide, more than half of youth who enter foster care are safely reunified. The average length of time a child is in foster care is about a year, but much of this is dependent on how long it takes for the family to resolve their conflicts or disruptions and demonstrate that their home is safe for their child to return home.

Nationally, about 428,000 youth are in foster care. In Missouri, more than 13,000 youth are in foster care. As this number is increasing, the need for loving foster parents is greater than ever.

Volunteering is also an excellent way to help children in need. Volunteers can provide temporary care for children, help with fundraisers, organize events and much more. Click here to check some of our upcoming events near you. If you’re pressed for time, donating is also helpful. Donations don’t have to be monetary: school supplies, clothing, food and more are always needed.

Foster parents provide safe and supportive homes for children and teens. Children come into foster care for many different reasons, all of which are not their fault. Foster parents need to provide care and love while keeping reunification in mind. Reunification is when a child can safely return to their birth family that has worked to stabilize their home.

There is a child or teen out there who needs someone just like you. Want to take the next step in making the world a brighter place for a child in need? Click here and a recruiter will contact you!

If you have the heart to help a child or teen, then you will be so good at this. You don’t need a house, spouse, certain level of income – all you need is a desire to make a difference, and we will support you every step of the way.

Here’s a list of questions to ask yourself when considering becoming a foster parent to a child in need. This questionnaire is intended to be a starting point and a tool for personal reflection or discussion with your family. It also highlights the core attitudes and behaviors that foster parents must demonstrate.

Fostering gives you the opportunity to make a lasting difference in a child’s life as well as give added purpose to your life. The temporary care you give will provide a safe and stable environment for a child experiencing crisis such as abuse, neglect or other family challenges.

Additional personal benefits:

You’ll Get to Be an Influential Teacher

Teaching is a great way to enrich the mind of a child. The trauma that caused a child to enter foster care, such as abuse or neglect, and the further trauma a child may experience when being removed from his or her birth family can have long-lasting psychological effects. Teaching ideas and skills you are familiar with can help redirect a child’s mindset to a more positive place.

You’ll Learn Something New Everyday

Who doesn’t like a little variety in their day? Foster parents seldom experience the same day twice. While this may be off-putting for some, it’s really a great thing! Foster parents get to interact with children and families from several different backgrounds. This opens the door to discovering new cultures, traditions and values.

You’ll Grow Stronger as an Individual

Giving unconditional love to a child in need can shape you into a stronger person emotionally and spiritually. Since most placements of children in a foster home are temporary, it can be very difficult to see a child return home. Though it can be heartbreaking, the main goal of foster care is to reunite a child with his or her family. The entire process of fostering, from taking a child in to seeing them go back home, can cause a natural range of emotions to swell. Experiencing and managing these emotions makes you an all-around stronger person who feels more meaning and satisfaction in life.

Want to take the next step? Click here and a recruiter will contact you!

The amount of time a foster family cares for a child in foster care varies from a few days to a couple years. On average, we safely reunite most children with their families within 12 months, and thus the child’s time in foster care is less than one year. More than half of children who enter foster care are safely reunited with their families. If reunification is not possible due to safety concerns, we will look for an adoptive family to provide continued care, love and stability for the child. It is common for children to be adopted by their foster parents because they have bonded, but every child’s situation is different.

Yes! Foster parents can specify the age, gender and number of children they are willing to care for and if they are able to care for a child with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities or other special needs. We call you and tell you more about the child’s needs, and you have the opportunity to decide whether you can provide care for that child.

Absolutely! There are no restrictions to fostering if you’re in a same-sex marriage/relationship or identify as LGBTQIA+. At KVC Missouri, we value diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging more than most foster agencies, so we make foster parenting open to everyone. Let’s change the face of foster care together.

It may, but the first goal for children in foster care is reunification with their biological family. When a child’s parental rights have been terminated and a child is legally free for adoption, 89 percent of the time children are adopted by their foster parents.

Want to take the next step? Click here and a recruiter will contact you!

KVC Missouri’s TFC program provides individualized therapeutic interventions to children with significant medical, developmental, emotional or behavioral needs who require a higher level of care. The program provides caregivers with additional support to allow foster youth with elevated needs to be successful in a community-based family setting.

TFC may be an alternative to residential treatment for children or a step-down option for those who have completed residential treatment but are ready for a less restrictive, family-based environment. It is designed for youth who cannot return to a previous foster home or their parental home.

The main goal of TFC is to provide children with elevated needs with least restrictive placements, in family settings, until they can be successful in a more traditional foster home setting. TFC foster placements are intended to be short-term, usually around six months. However, there may be times that the placement could be shorter or last much longer, depending on the availability of traditional foster homes for the child to step down to.

TFC parents are required to complete the approved 27 hours of pre-service training curriculum to become a licensed traditional foster parent prior to receiving the training to become a TFC foster home. The type of pre-service training depends on the county were you live. Some examples are: NTDC, Missouri STRONG and STARS. A KVC Missouri recruiter can help you to identify which pre-service training is required for your location.

An additional 27 hours of approved specialized training is required to become a TFC family. KVC’s TFC training program combines curriculum from Teen CORE and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and is designed to prepare families to meet the day-to-day needs of children with elevated needs.

TFC foster parents are required to complete 10 hours of in-service training hours, in addition to the 30 hours of in-service training required for traditional foster home license renewal. In the state of Missouri, if families wish to renew their license, they go through that process every two years.

The additional 10 hours of in-service training for TFC families is tailored to the family and child’s current needs. The specific training needs of the TFC parent(s) shall be identified and selected by the TFC worker in consultation with the TFC parent(s).

The daily reimbursement for children placed in TFC homes is higher than that of general foster care, but dependent on the needs of the child.

Each of the children in the custody of the State of Missouri receives a medical card when they are removed from their family home. Some children are also covered under their family’s private insurance.

Do you have the heart to help a child? Say yes, and we will support you every step of the way. With our expertise, resources and longtime legacy of caring for children, we’re here to help you make the world a brighter place for a child in need. As a Treatment Foster Parent, you will receive these additional resources and support options:

• Initial and ongoing training opportunities
• Foster parent therapists and support groups
• Mental health treatment for the children in your care from a KVC therapist or help connecting with community resources and support
• Family Support Worker specifically designated to support and assist your family. These workers have smaller-than-traditional caseloads so that they are able to dedicate more time and energy to supporting Treatment Foster Care families.
• An enhanced daily rate to support the youth in your care

Taking care of children with elevated needs can come with various challenges throughout the workday. At times, children may need to be picked up early from school due to behavior or mental health needs. They may also get suspended from school from time to time. Because of their elevated level of need, it can sometimes be difficult to locate alternative childcare resources. KVC will work with you to come up with a plan that works best for your family.

If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, click here and one of our recruiters will reach out to help you get set up in the next training class.

Respite care is a valuable service that offers foster parents a much-needed break by arranging for a trained caregiver to provide compassionate, temporary care for the youth in their home. This allows foster parents to step away from their demanding responsibilities, take time to recharge and attend to their own needs, knowing their child is in safe, caring hands. It’s a chance for them to restore their energy and wellbeing, so they can continue to offer the love and support children in foster care truly deserve.

The main goal of respite care is to provide temporary relief to foster parents, giving them a break from the demands of caregiving. This allows foster parents to recharge, reduce stress and prevent burnout, which in turn helps them continue to provide stable, compassionate care for children in the home. Additionally, it can provide youth with opportunities for new experiences and interactions with different caregivers, contributing to their emotional and social development.

Respite care providers must demonstrate patience, flexibility in their schedules, and strong communication skills, especially when engaging with biological and foster parents. Before deciding to become a respite care provider, we encourage you to reflect on whether you’re willing and able to:

• Complete necessary screening and training
• Offer a safe and nurturing environment for children
• Collaborate as part of a professional team
• Follow established guidelines and rules
• Work closely with agencies
• Exhibit positive and effective parenting approaches
• Understand and support children through issues of loss, grief and attachment
• Meet the individual developmental needs of each child
• Address and manage any unexpected emotional, medical or behavioral challenges

If you feel you have these qualities, you may be well-suited to provide respite care!

To become an approved respite care provider, you must be at least 21 years old (whether single or married) and complete the necessary background checks and training. This training is designed to equip you with the skills, resources and knowledge needed to offer exceptional care and support to families when they entrust their child to you. While the training is a time investment, it’s aimed at ensuring you are fully prepared for the role and can experience the personal fulfillment that comes with providing quality care.

All respite care providers must meet the same requirements as foster parents. If you plan to offer respite care in your home, a home visit will be conducted to ensure the environment is safe for children and to assess the maximum number of children that can be cared for at once.

You will also be required to complete and pass all necessary background screenings.

Respite care can be provided either at the foster parent’s home or at your home, whichever works best for both families.

Respite care providers have the flexibility to set their own schedules and can decide on each placement based on their availability. When foster parents need respite care, they will contact their Licensing Worker or Case Manager, providing details about the child and the required care dates. Providers are then matched with families based on the child’s needs and the provider’s experience. If a potential match is found, you will be contacted with the relevant details. If you’re available and willing to provide care, you will then reach out directly to the foster parents to finalize the arrangements.

Children in foster care may have varying needs, routines, learning styles and sometimes special requirements due to disabilities or behavioral challenges. It’s important to remember that it’s not only okay but also encouraged to ask parents for detailed information about the children in your care, so you can better understand their specific needs. Don’t hesitate to inquire about any medical conditions, medications, behavioral concerns or unique characteristics that may arise during respite care.

Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to ask questions ahead of time. This allows parents time to think through their answers and consider any potential scenarios that may come up to ensure quality care.

Here are some helpful questions to consider:

• How many respite hours or units are available for your child?
• Does your child have any special routines or schedules?
• What are your child’s preferences—foods, activities and dislikes?
• Is your child safe to be left alone?
• How does your child interact with other children?
• Can your child safely spend time outdoors?
• What is the best way for your child to communicate with others?
• Are there any past traumatic experiences that might be triggered by certain activities, and if so, how can I avoid these triggers?
• Do you have strategies in place for managing when your child becomes upset?
• Are there any specific fears or phobias your child has?
• What are the bedtime expectations for your child?
• What time is bedtime and are there any special routines or rituals?
• Does your child wake up during the night, sleepwalk or wander?
• Is bedwetting an issue for your child?

KVC Missouri offers various forms of support for respite foster care providers to ensure they have the resources, training and assistance needed to effectively care for children in temporary placements. These supports help maintain the wellbeing of both foster parents and children in care. Here’s an overview of the support KVC Missouri provides for respite foster care:

1. Training and Education

• Pre-Service Training: KVC Missouri provides required training for all foster and respite care providers. This training covers essential topics such as child development, trauma-informed care, behavior management and specific challenges that may arise in foster care, including those related to special needs or disabilities.
• Ongoing Support and Development: Respite care providers receive continuous education and professional development opportunities to help them stay up to date with best practices in childcare and trauma-informed approaches.

2. Matching with Families

• Assessment of Needs: KVC Missouri works closely with foster parents to assess the child’s needs, preferences and specific care requirements. This ensures that respite care providers are well-matched with children based on their individual needs and the provider’s experience and skills.
• Placement Coordination: KVC Missouri helps facilitate the placement of children into respite care by coordinating between foster parents and respite providers. We match providers with families and ensure all necessary information is communicated.

3. 24/7 Support and Emergency Assistance

• On-Call Support: KVC Missouri offers 24/7 on-call support to respite care providers, giving them access to guidance and assistance whenever they encounter challenges or need help with specific issues during a placement.
• Emergency Response: In case of any crisis or emergency, KVC Missouri staff are available to support respite care providers, offering advice or intervention as needed.

4. Supervision and Monitoring

• Regular Check-Ins: KVC conducts regular check-ins with respite care providers to ensure that they are managing well and that children’s needs are being met. These check-ins may include phone calls, home visits or meetings to provide additional support or address concerns.
• Evaluating Care: After each respite placement, KVC Missouri may collect feedback from both respite providers and foster parents to assess the effectiveness of the care and identify areas where additional support may be needed.

5. Financial Support and Reimbursement

• Reimbursement for Respite Care: KVC Missouri provides reimbursement to respite care providers for the time and resources spent caring for children. This includes compensation for meals, activities and other related expenses.
• Travel Assistance: If respite care requires travel, KVC may assist with related expenses to ensure that providers are supported during the caregiving process.

6. Access to Resources

• Resource Materials: KVC Missouri offers various resources to respite providers, including manuals, guidelines and other materials to help them understand the needs of children in foster care and how to address specific behavioral or emotional challenges.
• Peer Support: Respite providers have access to a network of other foster parents and respite providers, which can be an invaluable source of support, advice and shared experiences.

7. Emotional and Behavioral Support

• Behavioral Health Support: KVC Missouri provides access to behavioral health services for children in respite care, including counseling and therapy, to address emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Crisis Intervention: If a child experiences a behavioral crisis during respite care, KVC staff can assist with crisis intervention strategies to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.

By providing comprehensive training, support and resources, KVC Missouri ensures that respite care providers are well-equipped to offer high-quality care for children, while also prioritizing the wellbeing and satisfaction of the providers themselves.