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Become A Foster Parent

Being a foster parent is a rewarding journey

It's your journey!

Bringing Families Together is here for you!

Bringing Families Together (BFT) will support you every step of the way through the process! We have many waiting children who need foster homes and being a foster parent is an amazing way to support children and families.

Becoming a Foster Parent

Curious about becoming a foster parent and would like to learn more? We would love to help you explore and learn more about becoming a foster parent!

It just takes one simple first step!

What is foster care?

The goal of the child welfare system is to protect children and provide services to help them stay at home. When the court decides that staying home is not in the best interest of the child, they may be placed in out of home care, known as foster care.

Foster families provide safe and caring temporary homes for children while their family works towards their goals and reunification.

Reunification with the children’s family is the primary focus of foster care.
Relationships, collaboration and partnerships are the foundation to positive outcomes for children and their families.
As a foster parent, you provide family foster care by ensuring a safe, nurturing, supportive environment for all children in your home.
You will be supported as you meet the children’s wide array of developmental needs.
You will receive training to be informed about and follow trauma-informed practices.
You will have the opportunity to continue to learn and grow.
You will be an advocate for the child, their family, yourself and your family.

Becoming a Foster Parent

Curious about becoming a foster parent and would like to learn more? We would love to help you explore and learn more about becoming a foster parent!

It just takes one simple first step!

Take Your First Step

Becoming a foster parent starts with taking one step – call us – and we will help guide you through the rest! It’s your journey and we are here to help you!

1 Call us!

Reach out to us so we can help you take your first step on your journey to becoming a foster parent!

Call our foster inquiry line at 314-938-5690 or reach out to Resource Family Director Kim Brown at 314-938-5704 or via email at KimB@bringingfamiliestogether.com.

Or, fill out our form, and Kim will be in touch with you!

The Next Steps on Your Journey

It all starts by calling us! After that, below is what you should expect for the next steps on your journey to becoming a licensed foster parent or respite care provider.

2 Attend a Foster Care & Adoption Info Session

If you’re not sure where to start and you’d like to learn more, our info sessions are a great place to start! We will introduce you to BFT, discuss what’s involved in becoming a foster parent. You will find our Foster Care, Info Sessions on our Events Page or on our Facebook page. We offer both virtual and in-person info sessions. We will help you explore the possibilities of getting involved and making a difference. You will be able to chat with a licensing worker, learn more about the journey and explore the process (with no obligation)! We would love to have you join us! The primary goal of foster care is reunification of children with their families. Foster parents partner with the child’s team and the family towards reunification.

3 Sign up for MO CARES training

MO Missouri Caregiver and Adoption Resource Education (MO CARES) is the official Missouri Department of Social Services (MO DSS) Training for becoming a foster parent. All training and assessments are provided at no cost to the family. “Foster parents” are officially called “resource providers,” so when you see “resource providers,” it is talking about foster parents. These classes are offered locally, by Bringing Families Together and/or by one of our partner agencies in the Saint Louis PARTNERS. To find out more about the next available MO CARES class, please call or email Kim Brown at 314-938-5704 or via email at KimB@bringingfamiliestogether.com. You also may find upcoming MO CARES classes on our events page if you do not see one, just give us a call so we can help you find the next class. MO CARES training provides 10 sessions either held virtually, in person or a combination. The MO CARES curriculum includes ‘right time training’ that are accessible to families at any time. It includes the following core competencies, which will help you become a successful foster parent, in addition to the ongoing support you will receive from Bringing Families Together throughout the process of both becoming a foster parent. 1. Understanding trauma and trauma-informed parenting, 2. Supporting families and maintaining children’s connections, 3. Understanding the child welfare system and the social, emotional, and physical impact it has on children and families, 4. Understanding the importance of cultural identity in foster care and adoption, and 5. Understanding children’s mental health issues and how substance use can impact children.

4 In-Home Assessment

As part of the MO CARES training and evaluation process, you will also have a foster home assessment completed; this will include several in-home visits. The licensing specialist will evaluate your home and guide you on what to do to get your home ready to be approved for foster care.

5 Additional Trainings

There are additional trainings that you will need to complete in order to become licensed. Bringing Families Together can help you find the appropriate classes / materials to complete these trainings. All licensed homes must successfully complete the following training prior to being licensed: • Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) •First Aid There will be ongoing training requirements after you officially become a foster parent, and Bringing Families Together will walk you through those requirements as well.

6 Licensed Foster Parent

After successfully completing the training and licensing process you will become a licensed foster parent with the State of Missouri. Once you are licensed, you will be ready to accept foster children into your family. This phase of the journey with support of a worker and through the steps above, you will officially become a licensed foster parent! Bringing Families Together will then help you find placements for foster children in your home through our home finding service in partnership with Saint Louis Partners. The primary goal of foster care is reunification of children with their families. Foster parents partner with the child’s team and the family towards successful reunification.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of our frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Click on the question for more information. Still have questions? Click on the button below and send us an email!

CONTACT US

Have more questions?

Check out this presentation by Missouri Children’s Division Getting Started on Your Foster Care Journey
Thinking About Becoming a Foster Parent handout
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
And you may call our Bringing Families Together foster inquiry line at 314-938-5690.

How much does it cost to become a foster parent?

It’s free! There is NO cost to you for the foster care training or foster home study.
How do I find a licensing agency?

You already have! Bringing Families Together is a licensing agency, and we would love to help you! We will guide you through the process to become a licensed foster parent for BFT.
How do I get started?

Just call us! You may call our foster inquiry line at 314-938-5690 or reach out to Resource Family Director Kim Brown at 314-938-5704 or via email at KimB@bringingfamiliestogether.com. You may also attend an Info Session HERE.
Will I receive training?

Yes, the MOCARES 10 session training will be provided free of charge.
Will there be home visits?

Yes, there will be several home visits to ensure safety in the home and complete the assessment process.
Can I foster as a single parent?

Yes! You do not need to be married to become a foster parent!
Do I need to own my own house?

No, you do not need to own your own home.
Will I have ongoing support?

Yes! Bringing Families Together provides ongoing support through your licensing worker and added trainings to support you as a parent.
Who makes a good foster parent?

All individuals and couples who love children and can provide a safe and caring home for children.

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Respite Care

You may want to help and support youth, but you may not want to be a full-time foster parent and that’s o.k.! We have another option for you! Respite care providers are in huge demand and provide respite for our foster parents / children.

What is respite care / a respite care provider?

Respite care providers support children and other foster parents by providing respite care for foster children already placed in another foster home.

This could be a few days, a weekend or a week or two. If the child/ren are in school, then we will help you with how to get the child/ren to their school and activities.

You may also become the “go to” respite care provider for a particular set of foster parents and foster child/ren, which provides an ongoing relationship but without the requirements of being a full-time foster parent. Learn more about becoming a respite care provider from the Missouri Children’s Division website.

Why is respite care important?

Sometimes foster parents can just use a break, or they may have a family emergency or travel and need someone to watch their foster child / children.

This is looked at as a fun break for the child/ren who can have their own “vacation” of sorts, even if they are still in school.

A change of scenery can often do both foster child/ren and foster parents so much good! Everyone needs a break every now and then.

How do I become a respite care provider?

The process is the same – it starts by reaching out to us so we can help you take your first step. Just call our foster inquiry line at 314-938-5690 or reach out to Resource Family Director Kim Brown at 314-938-5704 or via email at KimB@bringingfamiliestogether.com, and we will help get you started on your journey to becoming a respite provider.

What kind of training is required?

The training is the same as becoming a foster parent or “resource provider.”

For more information, please check out the Respite Care Provider Handbook.

Just call or email us and we will help you get started!

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Foster Care & Respite Care Trainings - Sign-Up

MO CARES Training is required to become a foster parent or respite care provider.

How to Find Upcoming MO CARES Trainings

To find upcoming MO CARES trainings, visit our Events Page

and/or call our foster inquiry line at 314-938-5690 or reach out to Resource Family Director Kim Brown at 314-938-5704 or via email, and we will help you find the next available MO CARES training by Bringing Families Together and/or our partners at Saint Louis Partners.

MORE EVENTS

Submit Your Application via Email

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent/resource family or foster care respite provider, please fill out our Resource Home Application and email your completed application to Kim Brown.

SUBMIT

Testimonials

Hear what our foster parents say...

What a difference you have made for so many children and families!

I wanted to take a second to thank you, once again. We could not believe how above and beyond you went. You are amazing!!! I cannot thank you enough!!!!! You are THE BEST!!! (re: thank you for one of our case managers coming to the house to help a youth)

Huge thanks to the BFT Family for all you do for kiddos in need! We see you! We appreciate you! We value you!

L.F. – Support for foster parents

Throughout our years, we have had many children through various agencies (state and private). However, BFT has always carried our license and supported our journey. They have listened to us vent about the broken system. They have helped us fight for what is right for the child at the time. BFT has stood up and protected us as parents. They have helped us connect and develop that relationship with the child. They have offered redirection and advice.They have always offered a smile and tried to make our lives as easy as possible in this journey. Thank you - We appreciate each and every worker!

We've been working with BFT for about 5 years and we have LOVED working with them.

As a foster parent, BFT has provided quality training and support to our family.

Leisa – Call to Foster Care

Fostering is truly a life calling/ministry to our family. God places just the right children in our path at just the right time. People say the children are so lucky to have us, but it’s not the children, it’s us that are lucky to have them! Each child has taught our family something or helped us heal in some way throughout our journey. Children are an inheritance from the Lord, and Don and I do NOT take our calling lightly. We are going to be responsible for the time we have had with each child, and we want to do it right! We want them impacted for life whether they stay or go! We want them to be able to grow up and live a healthy, successful life in this world!

The M. B. Family – foster parents

BFT has changed things for my family for the better. Without BFT we wouldn’t have our current placement that we love so much. We wouldn’t have had the experience with our other placement who was reunited with his family. It was been an amazing experience being able to foster and be fully supported. We have been foster parents for about 1.5 years, and we love being able to be a loving and safe family for children who need that in that time. The children in our care are loved and have a safe environment for them to learn and grow. We love fostering because there is a need for it and we are able to be that for children who need it for either a short time or a long time.

Sheri - Foster Parent

I'm a former foster parent with Bringing Families Together. They are 100% focused on reunification with birth families whenever / wherever possible. They make that 100% abundantly clear in the foster parent application / approval process to become a foster parent. Everything they do is for the kids. And they have so many programs to support birth parents too! They care so much about the birth families, and of course the children first and foremost, and also about us as foster parents.

I fostered during the pandemic for the very first time as a single parent. It was really challenging and my kiddo needed lots of love and support. BFT really supported me in being able to support my kiddo and keep the lines of communication open for her with other significant people in her life and supported me with the added difficulties the entire shutdown created for a new, single foster parent with a child that had educational neglect and food neglect. They helped me / supported me in getting her extra services. The women-run organization is really caring, dedicated and supportive and they work so hard at their mission. I could not have had a better foster licensing agency! Just incredible. For personal reasons, I had to stop fostering, but if I become a foster parent again it will only be through BFT!

We have loved working with BFT for all our licensing. Our worker did such a great job at walking us through this whole process!

Tiffany - Foster Parents

The BFT team is highly responsive and supportive, and works to do their best to support the needs of children and their families as effectively as possible. BFT helped us navigate the licensure process, was very thorough and very communicative. As our licensing agency, BFT keeps us updated on ways we can continue to support our children. By helping with resources and navigating working with partner agencies, BFT has helped my children by ensuring that our children have what they need. I love that our worker is very kind, communicative, and very responsive. Being a foster parent is not an easy task. BFT’s communication, responsiveness, resources, and support it provides is integral to ensuring that the children we care for have what they need and that we also have what we need.

We have been foster parents for a little over one year. We are grateful to be in a position to be able to help support children who need care, to provide a safe and loving home and to make sure they have what they need. We are also thankful to our village – our resource partners and case management teams who work with us. It’s truly been a team experience and we feel that is why our children have made so much progress. Our children’s experiences prior to coming to us were things that we couldn’t even imagine, let alone had experienced. To see them beginning to come out of their shells, to develop their own interests, to see them smile and to enjoy life is truly the best.

The Leisa Family – Foster / Respite Care

In 2006, our family started one adventurous journey with just husband, wife, and 10-year-old daughter team. It’s really an emotional roller coaster, as we learn to love what others may consider the unlovable. We have seen 50+ teens walk through our front door. We adopted one, took guardianship of four, served as kinship to many, and provided respite to countless foster parents. Some stay and some go depending on their life situation, but all chose to stay in contact with us. It really is amazing!

We have been with BFT going on two years now. Loved every minute and look forward to many more. Kelly M. has always been available when I needed advice, help, or just a pep talk.

Shamecka - Foster Parents

I'm thankful that we were placed with BFT since the beginning of our foster journey. I'm convinced that they truly care for the well-being of all children. Not only do they have a heart for children, but they also have a heart for supporting their families. We feel supported and heard, making us feel like part of the team. We have been blessed to work with some amazing people at BFT. Lauren and Carol are extremely professional and have made our Journey drama-free and beautiful.

M. B. – licensed foster family

We love how amazing our experience has been with BFT. We have been licensed for 1.5 years and they have been nothing but helpful with our foster experience. Whenever we have questions or concerns, we always get answers quick. They are always helpful when we need advice or just being there for us in general. BFT has done a great job at being a support system for us in the fostering process. We always know if we need anything or just want to talk, they are there to help us.

BFT has also done a great job at getting us resources for our foster placement. They are always willing to find different resources and people that can help us with the medical needs of our placement. We have worked with about 3-4 workers with BFT, and all of them have been wonderful. Even with the change in case workers, it has all been smooth. They are great with communication and always there to help us.

The F. Family – Fostering and bio children

As parents, in the beginning of our journey, we questioned would fostering "corrupt" our biological children. After 18 years, I am so thankful we fostered. It has modeled and made each of us to be a better person, For our oldest daughter, it helped pave her way - she felt called to work with deaf children. She moved to a deaf community, started fostering at the age of 21, and still services deaf children today. She developed a special gift to share and connect with others!

L.F. – Support for foster parents

Throughout our years, we have had many children through various agencies (state and private). However, BFT has always carried our license and supported our journey. They have listened to us vent about the broken system. They have helped us fight for what is right for the child at the time. BFT has stood up and protected us as parents. They have helped us connect and develop that relationship with the child. They have offered redirection and advice.They have always offered a smile and tried to make our lives as easy as possible in this journey. Thank you - We appreciate each and every worker!

Leisa – Call to Foster Care

Fostering is truly a life calling/ministry to our family. God places just the right children in our path at just the right time. People say the children are so lucky to have us, but it’s not the children, it’s us that are lucky to have them! Each child has taught our family something or helped us heal in some way throughout our journey. Children are an inheritance from the Lord, and Don and I do NOT take our calling lightly. We are going to be responsible for the time we have had with each child, and we want to do it right! We want them impacted for life whether they stay or go! We want them to be able to grow up and live a healthy, successful life in this world!

The M. B. Family – foster parents

BFT has changed things for my family for the better. Without BFT we wouldn’t have our current placement that we love so much. We wouldn’t have had the experience with our other placement who was reunited with his family. It was been an amazing experience being able to foster and be fully supported. We have been foster parents for about 1.5 years, and we love being able to be a loving and safe family for children who need that in that time. The children in our care are loved and have a safe environment for them to learn and grow. We love fostering because there is a need for it and we are able to be that for children who need it for either a short time or a long time.

Sheri - Foster Parent

I'm a former foster parent with Bringing Families Together. They are 100% focused on reunification with birth families whenever / wherever possible. They make that 100% abundantly clear in the foster parent application / approval process to become a foster parent. Everything they do is for the kids. And they have so many programs to support birth parents too! They care so much about the birth families, and of course the children first and foremost, and also about us as foster parents.

I fostered during the pandemic for the very first time as a single parent. It was really challenging and my kiddo needed lots of love and support. BFT really supported me in being able to support my kiddo and keep the lines of communication open for her with other significant people in her life and supported me with the added difficulties the entire shutdown created for a new, single foster parent with a child that had educational neglect and food neglect. They helped me / supported me in getting her extra services. The women-run organization is really caring, dedicated and supportive and they work so hard at their mission. I could not have had a better foster licensing agency! Just incredible. For personal reasons, I had to stop fostering, but if I become a foster parent again it will only be through BFT!

Tiffany - Foster Parents

The BFT team is highly responsive and supportive, and works to do their best to support the needs of children and their families as effectively as possible. BFT helped us navigate the licensure process, was very thorough and very communicative. As our licensing agency, BFT keeps us updated on ways we can continue to support our children. By helping with resources and navigating working with partner agencies, BFT has helped my children by ensuring that our children have what they need. I love that our worker is very kind, communicative, and very responsive. Being a foster parent is not an easy task. BFT’s communication, responsiveness, resources, and support it provides is integral to ensuring that the children we care for have what they need and that we also have what we need.

We have been foster parents for a little over one year. We are grateful to be in a position to be able to help support children who need care, to provide a safe and loving home and to make sure they have what they need. We are also thankful to our village – our resource partners and case management teams who work with us. It’s truly been a team experience and we feel that is why our children have made so much progress. Our children’s experiences prior to coming to us were things that we couldn’t even imagine, let alone had experienced. To see them beginning to come out of their shells, to develop their own interests, to see them smile and to enjoy life is truly the best.

The Leisa Family – Foster / Respite Care

In 2006, our family started one adventurous journey with just husband, wife, and 10-year-old daughter team. It’s really an emotional roller coaster, as we learn to love what others may consider the unlovable. We have seen 50+ teens walk through our front door. We adopted one, took guardianship of four, served as kinship to many, and provided respite to countless foster parents. Some stay and some go depending on their life situation, but all chose to stay in contact with us. It really is amazing!

Shamecka - Foster Parents

I'm thankful that we were placed with BFT since the beginning of our foster journey. I'm convinced that they truly care for the well-being of all children. Not only do they have a heart for children, but they also have a heart for supporting their families. We feel supported and heard, making us feel like part of the team. We have been blessed to work with some amazing people at BFT. Lauren and Carol are extremely professional and have made our Journey drama-free and beautiful.

M. B. – licensed foster family

We love how amazing our experience has been with BFT. We have been licensed for 1.5 years and they have been nothing but helpful with our foster experience. Whenever we have questions or concerns, we always get answers quick. They are always helpful when we need advice or just being there for us in general. BFT has done a great job at being a support system for us in the fostering process. We always know if we need anything or just want to talk, they are there to help us.

BFT has also done a great job at getting us resources for our foster placement. They are always willing to find different resources and people that can help us with the medical needs of our placement. We have worked with about 3-4 workers with BFT, and all of them have been wonderful. Even with the change in case workers, it has all been smooth. They are great with communication and always there to help us.

The F. Family – Fostering and bio children

As parents, in the beginning of our journey, we questioned would fostering "corrupt" our biological children. After 18 years, I am so thankful we fostered. It has modeled and made each of us to be a better person, For our oldest daughter, it helped pave her way - she felt called to work with deaf children. She moved to a deaf community, started fostering at the age of 21, and still services deaf children today. She developed a special gift to share and connect with others!

Careers

Join Our Team

Join our incredible BFT team and make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community!

News & Updates

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Read about our important news, updates and stories.

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Become A Foster Parent

Being a foster parent is a rewarding journey

It's your journey!

Bringing Families Together is here for you!

Becoming a Foster Parent

What is foster care?

Becoming a Foster Parent

Take Your First Step

1

Call us!

The Next Steps on Your Journey

2

Attend a Foster Care & Adoption Info Session

3

Sign up for MO CARES training

4

In-Home Assessment

5

Additional Trainings

6

Licensed Foster Parent

FAQs

Have more questions?

Respite Care

What is respite care / a respite care provider?

Why is respite care important?

How do I become a respite care provider?

What kind of training is required?

Foster Care & Respite Care Trainings - Sign-Up

Submit Your Application via Email

Testimonials

Hear what our foster parents say...

Careers

Join Our Team

Join our incredible BFT team and make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community!

News & Updates

Check out Recent Stories

Subscribe

Newsletter

Get Involved

Contact