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!
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!
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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.
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Attend a Foster Care, Adoption & Mentoring Info Session
You will find our Foster Care, Adoption & Mentoring Info Sessions on our Events Page or on our Facebook page. We offer both virtual and in-person info sessions. This is another great way to have your questions answered. 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 and also about private adoption and mentoring. 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!
3
Sign up for a STARS training class
STARS stands for Specialized Training, Assessment, Resources, Support and Skills. This is the official Missouri Department of Social Services (MO DSS) Training for becoming a foster parent. “Foster parents” are officially called “resource providers,” so when you see “resource providers,” it is talking about foster parents. All training and assessments are provided at no cost to the family. These classes are offered locally, by Bringing Families Together and/or by one of our partner agencies in the Saint Louis Partnership. To find out more about the next available STARS class, please call or email Kim Brown at 314-938-5704 or via email at KimB@bringingfamiliestogether.com. You also may find upcoming STARS 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. STARS provides 27 hours of training as well as 10 hours of assessment interwoven with the training, including: Intensive nine-session program One three-hour session per week for nine consecutive weeks Five in-home visits by the Family Development Specialist to assess: Family Life Home Training Progress You may read and learn more about the STARS curriculum itself on the MO DSS website. 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 and as a foster parent. Protecting and Nurturing Children Meeting Developmental Needs and Addressing Developmental Delays Supporting Relationships Between Children and their Families Connecting Children to Safe, Nurturing Relationships Intended to Last a Lifetime Working as a Member of a Professional Team
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In-Home Assessment
As part of the STARS training and evaluation process, you will also have 10 hours of assessment interwoven with the training, which includes nine hours of in-home assessment. Your assessments / home visits will be done by a licensed foster care worker who will evaluate your home and guide you on what to do to get your home ready to be approved by the foster licensing agency. Not only are you approved as a foster parent, but your home also must be approved and licensed as meeting the safety requirements for housing a foster child. The worker will do what is called a “home study” and will help submit your application and all necessary paperwork for becoming a licensed foster parent. All licensed foster parents must undergo a background check through the State of Missouri.
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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.
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Licensed Foster Parent
After successfully completing 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.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Click on the question to the right for more information. Still have questions? Click on the button below and send us an email!
Have more questions?
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Check out this presentation by Missouri Children’s Division Getting Started on Your Foster Care Journey
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And you may call our Bringing Families Together foster inquiry line at 314-938-5690.
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!
Foster Care & Respite Care Trainings - Sign-Up
STARS Training is required to become a foster parent or respite care provider.
How to Find Upcoming STARS Trainings
To find upcoming STARS 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 STARS training by Bringing Families Together and/or our partners at Saint Louis Partners.
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.
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