ICPC State Pages
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About the ICPC
The Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (AAICPC) was established in 1974 and consists of members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The AAICPC has authority under ICPC to "promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of this compact." The AAICPC obtains its Secretariat Services, as an affiliate of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA).
For more information, please visit the AAICPC website.
Contact the AAICPC
American Public Human Services Association
1133 Nineteenth Street, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 682-0100
fax: (202) 289-6555
Web Manager: Carla Fults [cfults@aphsa.org]
Click on a state to see it's page:
Missouri
-
Adoption
- Age of Majority
- Appeals
- Border Agreements
- Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
- Custody Matters
- NON ICPC - Consultants/Specialists
- Definitions
- Education - Public Education Costs
- Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
- Foster Care
- Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
- ICPC Processing
- Licensing/Certification/Approval
- Parental Placements
- Relative Placements
- Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
- Supervision/Reports/Guidelines
- Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Compact Administrators
| Compact Administrator Lauren Masterson - Compact Administrator PLEASE SEND NEW REFERRALS AND REPORTS to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or via NEICE |
Deputy Compact Administrator Candice Nahler, Deputy Compact Administrator PLEASE SEND NEW REFERRALS AND REPORTS to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or via NEICE
|
Consultants
| ICPC Specialist (A-H) Lisa Etter, Child Placement Coordinator Oldest sibling all public requests, RTC, Private/Independent adoption. PLEASE SEND NEW REFERRALS AND REPORTS to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or via NEICE |
Administrative Assistant (A-L) Lynne Studebaker PLEASE SEND NEW REFERRALS AND REPORTS to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or via NEICE |
| ICPC Specialist (I-Q) Monica Sekscinski, Deputy Compact Administrator Oldest sibling all public requests, RTC, Private/Independent adoption. PLEASE SEND NEW REFERRALS AND REPORTS to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or via NEICE |
Administrative Assistant (M-Z) Lynne Studebaker
|
| ICPC Specialist (R-Z) No 3rd Consultant |
Mailing Address
| Regular Mailing Address Regular mail should be addressed to: MO does NOT currently accept referrals via fax. |
Federal Express Address Federal Express or UPS requests MO does NOT currently accept referrals via fax. Thank you. PLEASE SEND NEW REFERRALS AND REPORTS to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or via NEICE |
Useful Telephone Numbers
| Child Abuse Hotline All Instate reports need to call: (800)392-3738 |
Juvenile Compact Office Department of Social Services |
| Mental Health Compact Office No information provided |
Useful Websites
General Iinformation
Co-Located Compacts - ICPC, ICAMA, ICJ
Adoption
Independent /Private
Independent/Private Adoptive Placements:
Missouri permits private attorney, private agency and/or independent adoptions
| Adoption Type | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Private Agency | Yes |
| Private Attorney | Yes |
| Private Agency | Yes |
Adoption Statute-Non-Agency; Independent; Private Adoptions:
453 R.S. MO
Public
Public Adoptive Placements-Requirements
Missouri ICPC must receive copies of either the TPR or a petition for adoption (petition must be filed and accepted by the court). If the adoptive family (from another state) has a home study completed by a private agency Missouri Children's Division must negotiate a contract with the agency before ICPC approval can be given.
INDEPENDENT / PRIVATE / PUBLIC
The following information applies to independent, private and public adoptions
Adoption Assistance
Adoption assistance payments begins
- After the adoption is finalized
Sending State Adoption Subsidy Payments (Guidelines)
- Total payment for all nonrecurring adoption expenses shall not exceed $2,000 per child. All expenses must be reasonable and customary for the services provided. If expenses included in the application appear extraordinary will need administrative approval.
- Nonrecurring adoption expenses are defined as:
- Court filing fees;
- Publication fee;
- Attorney fee;
- Guardian ad Litem fee; according to 453.020 RSMo, the GAL may be awarded a reasonable fee for such services to be sent by the court. The court, in its discretion, may award such fees as a judgment to be paid by any party to the proceedings or from public funds. Such an award of GAL fees shall constitute a final judgment in favor of the GAL.
-
Other expenses incurred by the adoptive parent(s) which are directly related to the child's adoption and limited to:
- The adoptive family assessment (adoptive home study), including health and psychological examinations, if necessary for the assessment and required by the private agency;
- Placement supervision before final adoption; and
- transportation, food and lodging for the adoptive parent(s) and the child when necessary to complete a child's placement or adoption.
- FACILITATOR agencies (PRIVATE ADOPTIONS) : if used, then MO requires a copy of the agreement or contract that was signed by the adoptive parents and the agency. MO also requires a breakdown of fees paid by the adoptive family to the facilitating agency.
Special Needs
Missouri definition of "Special Needs"
The youth must have a diagnosed medical, mental, or physical condition that requires twenty-four (24) hour availability of a resource provider specifically trained to meet the elevated medical needs.
Finalization
Adoption may be finalized in another state:
- Yes
Before finalization can occur in Missouri, child must be in adoptive placement:
- 6 months
- Other
There are situations where the court may waive the 6 months waiting period, but this is at the court’s discretion.
Statutory code/cite for Adoption Petition
453 RSMo
Court Jurisdiction for Adoption Cases
Missouri requires that the court transfer custody to the adoptive parents before child leaves state. Public agency adoptions will have a transfer of custody but child may be placed into a relative home before adoption. Private/Independent adoptions consents must be accepted by the court and a transfer of custody occur before child can leave Missouri. 453.110 RSMo.
Home Study (Adoptions)
Statutory code/cite for the Adoptive Home Studies:
453.070 RSMo
453.070. 1. Except as provided in subsection 5 of this section, no decree for the adoption of a child under eighteen years of age shall be entered for the petitioner or petitioners in such adoption as ordered by the juvenile court having jurisdiction, until a full investigation, which includes an assessment of the adoptive parents, an appropriate postplacement assessment and a summary of written reports as provided for in section 453.026, and any other pertinent information relevant to whether the child is suitable for adoption by the petitioner and whether the petitioner is suitable as a parent for the child, has been made. The report shall also include a statement to the effect that the child has been considered as a potential subsidy recipient.
2. Such investigation shall be made, as directed by the court having jurisdiction, either by the division of family services of the state department of social services, a juvenile court officer, a licensed child-placement agency, a social worker licensed pursuant to chapter 337, or other suitable person appointed by the court. The results of such investigation shall be embodied in a written report that shall be submitted to the court within ninety days of the request for the investigation.
3. The department of social services, division of family services, shall develop rules and regulations regarding the content of the assessment of the petitioner or petitioners. The content of the assessment shall include but not be limited to, a report on the condition of the petitioner's home and information on the petitioner's education, financial, marital, medical and psychological status and criminal background check. If an assessment is conducted after August 28, 1997, but prior to the promulgation of rules and regulations by the department concerning the contents of such assessment, any discrepancy between the contents of the actual assessment and the contents of the assessment required by department rule shall not be used as the sole basis for invalidating an adoption. No rule or portion of a rule promulgated pursuant to the authority of this section shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to the provisions of chapter 536
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Yes
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Private Adoptions: No
- Independent Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: No
Age of Majority
State's age of majority
- 18 years -
Statutory code/cite and the age of majority:
- RSMo Section 211.031
Services (after Age of Majority)
As the Receiving State, the following services will be provided/continued at the age of majority:
- Supervision
Appeals
Appeals permitted:
- Home Study: Yes
- ICPC Decision: Yes
Border Agreements
Border Agreements permitted:
- Yes
Current Border Agreements with:
- Kansas
Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
Home Studies which Require Criminal / Perpetrator Record Checks
Missouri requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Missouri Children’s Division requires unlicensed relatives and parents to pay for their own FBI checks.
Criminal Background Screening
The following methods are used to capture fingerprints to conduct criminal records checks/and abuse and neglect.
- Live Scan or other computerized technology
- Finger Print cards
Criminal background checks/screening via Live Scan or other computerized technology are offered at the following levels:
- National
- State
- Local
Background Screening
State or Local Criminal Record Checks Requirements/Process:
State and national criminal record checks will be completed for each household member age 17 or older, or any person under the age of 17 who has been certified as an adult. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) will complete a state criminal record check and then electronically send the fingerprint images to the FBI for a national search of criminal records.
Applicant will not be approved if the person has committed any of the following misdemeanor or felony offenses:
RSMo 210.117 felony conviction for child abuse or neglect, spousal abuse, a crime against children (including child pornography), or a crime involving violence, including rape, sexual assault, or homicide, but not including other physical assault or battery was determined by a court of competent jurisdiction
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Missouri requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 8-14 days
- Local/County: 8-14 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Signature verifying background check completed
Custody Matters - NON ICPC
(NOTE: These are private or domestic custody matters brought before the court for determination/decision)
Non-ICPC Requests - (i.e. private/domestic custody cases)
ICPC Office will not investigate a domestic or private custody matter.
- Parent vs. Parent: No
- Third Parties: No
ICPC Offices will assist with referral:
- No
Custody Investigation
The Department of Social Services, Children’s Division, does not perform custody investigations for courts outside the state of Missouri due to a shortage of staff. The individual needing the investigation/home study may contract with a Missouri licensed child placing agency; or a Missouri licensed social worker; or an officer of the Juvenile/Family Court in their county of residency. There will be a cost to completing the study.
Definitions
Missouri Specific Definitions
If the following terms are defined differently than below (General Definitions), please provide definitions for the following types of placements as defined within your state. If definitions in your state are the same, please type the word same in the space provided. (only 250 characters per answer will be accepted).
Adoption
Same
Foster-Adopt
Same
Foster Care
Same
Parent
Same
Relative
Same
Relative Foster Care
Same
General Definitions
Adoption
is the legal act of permanently placing a child with a parent or parents other than the birth parents. Adoption results in the severing of the parental responsibilities and rights of the biological parents and the placing of those responsibilities and rights onto the adoptive parents. After the finalization of an adoption, there is no legal difference between biological and adopted children.
The types of adoptions permitted by each state are governed by state law:
- Private Agency - are adoptions facilitated by a private licensed agency (i.e. domestic and international).
- Independent - are adoptions facilitated by an attorney, other intermediary, or adoption facilitator as defined by state law.
- Public - are adoptions facilitated by a public state or local agency and involve children who are in the custody of a state/local government agency.
Days
means “Calendar” (not business) days.
Foster - Adopt
is an individual who has been approved as a licensed foster parent and who has made an offer of an adoption commitment if the child becomes legally free.
Foster Care (Provider)
is any person other than a natural or adoptive parent with whom a child is in the care, custody, or guardianship of the State Child Welfare Agency and placed by said division, or with its approval for temporary or long-term care but shall not include any person with whom a child is placed for the purpose of adoption. Foster home means and includes private residences that are licensed, or specialized group homes.
Foster Care Maintenance Payments
means payments to cover the cost of (and the cost of providing) food, clothing, shelter, daily supervision, school supplies, a child's personal incidentals, liability insurance with respect to a child, and reasonable travel to the child's home for visitation. In the case of institutional care, such term shall include the reasonable costs of administration and operation of such institution as are necessarily required to provide the items described in the preceding sentence.
Legal Risk Adoptions
A legal risk adoption, or a legal risk placement, is one where a prospective adoptive child is placed in your home although the child is not yet legally free to be adopted.
License/certification/approval
means approval and or certification granted by the authority of a state regulatory agency.
Live Scan
is an electronic computerized technology which digitally scans fingerprints and provides immediate transmission of fingerprint records to the Department of Justice, FBI or other authorized receiving agency.
Parent
is a biological, adoptive parent or legal guardian as determined by applicable State law and is responsible for the care, custody and control of a child or upon whom there is legal duty for such care.
Relative
is a birth or adoptive brother, sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, as well as relatives of half blood or marriage and those denoted by the prefixes of grand and great including grand parent or great grandparent, or as defined in your state statute for the purpose of foster and or adoptive placements.
Relative-Foster Care
refers to a person who meets the definition of a relative as noted above and has been approved as a licensed foster parent.
Public Education Costs
Missouri charges for public education:
- No
Missouri charges the sending state for specialized services (occupational, speech therapy)
- No
Missouri charges the Sending State to obtain assessments/diagnostics and/or services for education purposes:
- No
Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
FINANCIAL PLANS
Missouri permits a child in the legal custody of a Sending State to apply for and receive the following state administered assistance/benefits in Missouri as the Receiving State.
- Medicaid
- TANF Child Only
- TANF–Family
As the Sending state, following are considered as a viable financial/medical plan when making interstate placements:
- Applying for TANF - (Family Income Based)
- Applying for TANF - Child Only
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Kin-Guardianship - Fostering Connections (IV-E)
- Kin-Guardianship - State
- Medicaid
As the Receiving state, following are considered a viable financial/medical plan when receiving interstate placements:
- Applying for TANF - (Family Income Based)
- Applying for TANF - Child Only
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Kin-Guardianship - Fostering Connections (IV-E)
- Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance
MEDICAID / MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
The state will ensure medical coverage benefits and services can be received through benefits, programs and providers in the Receiving State before placing a child across state lines.
- No
Medicaid
The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- No
WAITING PERIOD FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS
Waiting period to apply for benefit assistance:
- No waiting period
Waiting period to receive benefits for a child who is under the legal custody/legal jurisdiction of the sending state:
- 30 days
STATE MEDICAL INSURANCE/COVERAGE
As the Sending State, Missouri will provide medical coverage if the child is NOT IV-E eligible
- Yes: Requires a rejection letter from local Medicaid office; will pay Missouri Medicaid rates
As the Sending State, Missouri will permit Placement Resources to apply for medical benefits in the Receiving State or use their personal insurance.
- Yes
PAYMENTS MADE
TANF Payments
- Family Income Based
Adoption assistance payments begin:
- Other, please specify
Foster Care Payments
Foster Care payments can only be made if the resource is licensed. If the home meets licensing standards in the receiving state it will include expenses related to the foster child’s daily living needs i.e., room and board, clothing, and incidentals
Special Education Payments
- No
Daycare Payments
- Yes
Daycare provider must be approved by the DayCare Licening Unit and accept Missouri rates
Kinship Program
A person who is non-related by blood, marriage or adoption who has a close relationship with the child or child’s family (godparents, neighbors, teachers, close family friends, and fellow church members) or a person who has a close relationship with the child or child’s family and is related to the child by blood or affinity beyond the third degree
TITLE IV-E
Medicaid - The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- No
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: Verification from the sending state's ICPC office at the time of the inital referral.
Foster Care
RATES (Foster Care)
Foster care rate paid at:
- Other
Missouri will only pay CD rates to out of state providers; will have no restrictions on payment made to MO residents from other states.
Missouri foster care rates:
| Service Level of Care | Amount per day |
|---|---|
| Maintenance for families caring for a Missouri Child in another state through ICPC | $305 (0-5); $361 (6-12); $402 (13 & over) |
| For infants; 0-3 years old, will receive an infant allowance | $80 (0-3) |
| All children will receive an Annual Clothing Allowance. | Talk with assigned case worker for amounts. |
REQUIREMENTS (Foster Care)
Foster Care Resource Requirements:
Missouri foster provider must complete STARS Training for unrelated foster care. STARS Training for the Caregiver who Knows the child (9 hours of training) and Spalding if considering adoption.
Missouri will accept the receiving state's foster care licensing standards to place a Missouri child.
Training (Education and Training)
- Unrelated resources must complete STARS Training, will have to continue to maintain the license with Children's Division requirements. Related resources have an option of completing STARS Training for the Caregiver Who Knows the child, will have to continue to maintain the license with Children's Division requirements.
Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
Types of Home Studies
Missouri conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
- Other
Kinship -Kinship is defined as: A person who is non-related by blood, marriage or adoption who has a close relationship with the child or child’s family (godparents, neighbors, teachers, close family friends, and fellow church members) or a person who has a close relationship with the child or child’s family and is related to the child by blood or affinity beyond the third degree.
Missouri designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Yes
Missouri considers a home study as current/valid for:
- 6 mos.
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, Missouri will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- Other: Missouri will pay a private contractor for adoption purposes only.
As the Receiving State, Missouri will permit a Sending state to pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study.
- Yes
As the Receiving State, Missouri will accept/update a home study that was not originally conducted by the receiving state or a private contractor acting on behalf of the Receiving State.
- Will update
Adoptive Home Studies
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Private Adoptions: No
- Independent Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: No
DCPS contracts for Purchase of Services with private agencies in other states:
- No
Foster Care Home Study
Home study for foster care conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Parent Home Study
If child has been removed from the parent, Missouri requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Missouri requires an ICPC home study before reunification can occur with a parent. The study must include all the requirements of a relative/foster/adoptive study without the training.
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
The court does not have evidence before them that the parent is unacceptable, the court does not request any information from the receiving state, and the court dismiss jurisdiction before the child leaves Missouri.
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Proof of paternity documentation is: paternity test, or court order acknowledging paternity, or listed on birth certificate
Relative/Kinship Home Study
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Define Relative
a person related to another by blood or affinity within the third degree. (RSMo 210.265.2) Relative care is provided by persons related to the foster youth in any of the following by blood, marriage or adoption; grandparent, great-grandparent, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, or aunt relationship to the child is with the 3rd degree
Relatives must be licensed:
- No
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Proof of paternity documentation is: paternity test, or court order acknowledging paternity, or listed on birth certificate
Missouri considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
- 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Missouri performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: Children's Division can not release a home study unless the criminal/FBI checks are completed
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Private
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: Children's Division can not release a home study unless the criminal/FBI checks are completed
Missouri determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date of the 100A
- Date stamped in the ICPC Office.
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | |||
| Send home study request to Local office | y | |||
| Send home study report to Sending State | y |
Criminal Record Checks
Missouri requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Missouri Children’s Division requires unlicensed relatives and parents to pay for their own FBI checks.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Missouri requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 8-14 days
- Local/County: 8-14 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
ICPC Processing And Data Collection
Missouri conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
- Other
Kinship -Kinship is defined as: A person who is non-related by blood, marriage or adoption who has a close relationship with the child or child’s family (godparents, neighbors, teachers, close family friends, and fellow church members) or a person who has a close relationship with the child or child’s family and is related to the child by blood or affinity beyond the third degree.
ICPC Placement Checklists
| Adoption | Foster | Foster-Adopt | Parent | Relative | Residential | Electronic Transmission Accepted * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICPC 100A (Placement Request) | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| ICPC – 100 B (if child is in the Receiving State) | y | y | y | y | y | y | L |
| Home Study Report | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Court Order | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Medical Documentation/History | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Criminal History | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Criminal Background Check/Verification | |||||||
| Education and Training Verification | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Financial/ Medical Plan to support placement | y | y | y | y | y | y | |
| Social History/ Case Plan | y | y | y | y | y | y | |
| Medical plan to support placement | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Title IV-E Status | y | y | y | y | y | y | |
| Supervisory/ Progress Reports | y | y | y | y | y | y | L |
Date of Receipt - Home Study
Missouri determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date of the 100A
- Date stamped in the ICPC Office.
Missouri designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Yes
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, Missouri will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- Other: Missouri will pay a private contractor for adoption purposes only.
Criminal Records Checks
Missouri requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Missouri Children’s Division requires unlicensed relatives and parents to pay for their own FBI checks.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Missouri requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Mailing Process - Interstate Home Study
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | |||
| Send home study request to Local office | y | |||
| Send home study report to Sending State | y |
Wait/Processing Times
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: Children's Division can not release a home study unless the criminal/FBI checks are completed
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 8-14 days
- Local/County: 8-14 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 1-3 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 2 years2 years - ICPC requires an update if the ICPC approval is over 6 months old
Missouri offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherAs needed in specific areas of the state
Wait Time for ICPC Decision
| Foster Care | Relative | Relative - Foster Care | Parent | Foster - Adopt | Adoption (Public) |
Adoption (Private) |
Adoption (Independent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3- 6 months | 2-3months | 2-3months | 2-3months | 3- 6 months | 3- 6 months | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days |
Data Collection
Missouri collects, tracks and reports interstate data via:
- State System (SACWS or Other Computer System/Database)
Missouri collects, tracks and reports interstate home studies via
- State System (SACWS or Other Computer System/Database)
Licensing/Certification/Approval
Licensing
Dual Licensing state:
- Yes
Missouri uses the following terms to authorize a resource family for foster care and (or) adoption after completion of education and training in state:
- Approve (Adoption)
- Verified (Foster Home)
- Certified
Missouri requires the following types of placement resources to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Foster/Adopt
Missouri resource training program is as follows:
- PRIDE (Parents Resource Information Development Education)
Missouri will give full or partial credit for foster care and adoption education and training completed in another state:
- Adoption
OtherCase by case determination - Foster Care
OtherCase by case determination
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: Verification from the sending state's ICPC office at the time of the inital referral.
Requirements (Licensing)
Licensing Requirements
Foster parents shall have personal characteristics and have experienced relationships which will make it possible for them to perform the responsibilities entailed in caring for children. Foster parents shall be individuals who demonstrate affection, an ability to care for children and to be responsive to their needs, who can enjoy being foster parents; who can accept the individuality of each child; who give of themselves without expecting immediate returns; who have satisfactory interpersonal relationships; who have emotional stability and are able to function in relation to family responsibilities and employment; who have maturity and good physical health to enable them to provide appropriate care for children; who have a reputable character, values and ethical standards conducive to the well-being of children; who show flexibility in their ability to change their expectations, attitudes and behavior in relation to the needs and problems of children; who show ability to help in meeting problems of family living; to recognize the need for and who have the ability to accept a child's relationship with his/her parents or a social agency or both.
Foster Care Placements
No information provided
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 1-3 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 2 years2 years - ICPC requires an update if the ICPC approval is over 6 months old
Missouri offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherAs needed in specific areas of the state
Parent Studies
Missouri conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
- Other
Kinship -Kinship is defined as: A person who is non-related by blood, marriage or adoption who has a close relationship with the child or child’s family (godparents, neighbors, teachers, close family friends, and fellow church members) or a person who has a close relationship with the child or child’s family and is related to the child by blood or affinity beyond the third degree.
Custodial Parent Evaluated Per Reunification
If child has been removed from the parent, Missouri requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Missouri requires an ICPC home study before reunification can occur with a parent. The study must include all the requirements of a relative/foster/adoptive study without the training.
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
The court does not have evidence before them that the parent is unacceptable, the court does not request any information from the receiving state, and the court dismiss jurisdiction before the child leaves Missouri.
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Proof of paternity documentation is: paternity test, or court order acknowledging paternity, or listed on birth certificate
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Missouri performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: Children's Division can not release a home study unless the criminal/FBI checks are completed
Missouri determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date of the 100A
- Date stamped in the ICPC Office.
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | |||
| Send home study request to Local office | y | |||
| Send home study report to Sending State | y |
Criminal Records Checks
Missouri requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Missouri Children’s Division requires unlicensed relatives and parents to pay for their own FBI checks.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Missouri requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 8-14 days
- Local/County: 8-14 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Missouri requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Signature verifying background check completed
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 1-3 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 2 years2 years - ICPC requires an update if the ICPC approval is over 6 months old
Missouri offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherAs needed in specific areas of the state
Relative Placements
Missouri conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
- Other
Kinship -Kinship is defined as: A person who is non-related by blood, marriage or adoption who has a close relationship with the child or child’s family (godparents, neighbors, teachers, close family friends, and fellow church members) or a person who has a close relationship with the child or child’s family and is related to the child by blood or affinity beyond the third degree.
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
a person related to another by blood or affinity within the third degree. (RSMo 210.265.2) Relative care is provided by persons related to the foster youth in any of the following by blood, marriage or adoption; grandparent, great-grandparent, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, or aunt relationship to the child is with the 3rd degree
Relatives must be licensed:
- No
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Proof of paternity documentation is: paternity test, or court order acknowledging paternity, or listed on birth certificate
Missouri considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
- 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Missouri performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: Children's Division can not release a home study unless the criminal/FBI checks are completed
Missouri determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date of the 100A
- Date stamped in the ICPC Office.
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | |||
| Send home study request to Local office | y | |||
| Send home study report to Sending State | y |
Criminal Records Checks
Missouri requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Missouri Children’s Division requires unlicensed relatives and parents to pay for their own FBI checks.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Missouri requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 8-14 days
- Local/County: 8-14 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Missouri requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Signature verifying background check completed
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 1-3 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 2 years2 years - ICPC requires an update if the ICPC approval is over 6 months old
Missouri offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherAs needed in specific areas of the state
Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
Before Missouri will approve a child for an interstate placement with an RTF, Certification/verification of acceptance is required from the Residential Treatment Facility (RTF).
- Yes
Residential Placements
children who need structured and therapeutic intervention; must be time-limited and treatment focused so that the child can transition to family and community-based care as soon as possible
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION ON ALL PUBLIC AGENCY PLACEMENTS INTO A MO FACILITY:
- letter of acceptance from facility
- Financial/Medical statement
- Disruption agreement signed by one or both parents if a parental place; if public agency, then the placing agency must also sign one to be included in referral
- Current/ recent psychological / psychiatric evaluations/ mental health reports (within past 6 months preferably)
- Reports from most recent placement (within past 6 months preferably)
- Medical reports
- Social history of youth
- Educational reports to include IEPs if youth has one
Supervisory Reports
Missouri Requires face-to-face supervision:
- Once a month
Missouri will provide supervision of an interstate placement:
- Until the age of Majority as defined in the Sending State
Missouri Submits a supervisory report to the Sending State
- Other : Will provide reports quaterly and/or monthly
Missouri will send a supervision report to:
- The ICPC in the Sending State
Supervision Guidelines
Please see Regulation 11 for supervision requirements under the ICPC (Link provided below):
Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
After TPR, relatives are no longer relatives and a foster care or adoptive home study must be requested.
- Yes
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
a person related to another by blood or affinity within the third degree. (RSMo 210.265.2) Relative care is provided by persons related to the foster youth in any of the following by blood, marriage or adoption; grandparent, great-grandparent, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, or aunt relationship to the child is with the 3rd degree
Relatives must be licensed:
- No
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Proof of paternity documentation is: paternity test, or court order acknowledging paternity, or listed on birth certificate
Missouri considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
- 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
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