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1-21-26
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No More Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) - What Does that Mean?
This training must be completed by December 31, 2025.
Children’s Division (CD) previously had a process that allowed resource providers to give feedback to their area. This process was known as Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI). CD no longer has this procedure in place. If there is feedback you need or want to give, the following chain of command needs to be utilized in this order: Licensing Worker, Licensing Worker’s Supervisor, Circuit Manager, Field Support Manager, Regional Director.
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The attached list contains regional Field Support Managers and Regional Directors whom you would contact AFTER your local Circuit Manager.
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New Year, New Goals, New Recruitment Efforts Coming!
As a part of CD’s Performance Improvement Plan, the division is working to improve the quality of recruitment in efforts to increase the number of foster homes which better match its foster child demographics.
CD's goals include recruiting foster homes who will accept placement of children over the age of 11, foster homes willing to work with children who have behavioral, medical, or mental health challenges, and community specific needs!
How can you help?
You can help recruit too! Your stories matter and you have the inside scoop.
CD wants to encourage you to participate in local recruitment efforts! This could include sharing your story or foster care recruitment information on social media, volunteering at a local foster parent recruitment event, etc.
Please reach out to your local CD office to inquire about recruitment efforts!
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Training Survey
Tulane University is looking for licensed foster parents in the United States to participate in a study regarding FASD Training. The purpose of this research is to assess whether foster parents in the United States are receiving training on FASD and to advocate for FASD training for foster parents in the United States.
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Some children experience heightened sensory perceptions, leading to anxiety or difficulty focusing. Show Me Healthy Kids (SMHK) offers Sensory Toolkits as a health benefit to address these needs.
What is a Sensory Toolkit?
A Sensory Toolkit contains items and activities designed to help children with sensory processing needs feel calmer and more in control.
Benefits include:
- Calmer responses to stress
- Better management of emotions
Customized Support
SMHK provides five different toolkits to cater to individual sensory needs. A Care Manager collaborates with each child and their representative to select the most suitable toolkit, integrating it into the child's care plan.
Eligibility criteria:
- Active care management participation
Contact Care Management
For more information, contact our Care Management team at 1-877-236-1020, ext. 6075125 (TTY/TDD 711) or email HSH_Anchors@homestatehealth.com. At SMHK, we’re dedicated to helping children feel secure and focused.
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In this episode, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton talk with Makenzie Muse. Makenzie is an older youth in foster care with a passion for independence. She shares her story and encourages foster parents to just listen. She also speaks highly of her foster placement and highlights that foster parents don't have to make big, grand gestures to win over the kids in their care. Sometimes, they just need the quality time and attention.
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CD recently published new regulations and policy in relation to Alternative Care Review Boards. The Alternative Care Review Board is for resource providers to appeal decisions made by CD or its contractors regarding case management decisions. The process for this has been updated and streamlined.
Please refer to the regulations on page 3 of the Missouri Secretary of State: Code of State Regulations for the Department of Social Services for more specific information:
You may also refer to Section 6, Chapter 7 of the Child Welfare Manual for additional information.
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Statewide Training Calendar
A statewide training calendar that includes all the available trainings in the state for prospective and current resource providers has been created. Please feel free to utilize this calendar to search for your training needs.
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Taxes
As the new year begins, it is time to start preparing for tax season. Please refer to the Foster Parent Tax Deduction Frequently Asked Questions from the Missouri Department of Revenue to answer your questions about your taxes as a resource provider.
Please remember, CD employees may not be able to answer your tax questions. It is best to ask your accountant or tax advisor for specific questions.
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Missouri Places to See
It is very common for people to create a Travel List at the beginning of the year. Feel free to add the following places and experiences to your list!
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Castle Ruins in Camdenton, MO
- St. Louis City Museum
- The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum – Free for Foster Children!
- Devil’s Icebox in Columbia, MO
- Meramec Caverns in Sullivan, MO
- Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park in Middle Brook, MO
- Grant’s Farm in St. Louis
- Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, MO
- Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, MO
- Elephant Rocks State Park in Belleview, MO
- Wonders of Wildlife Museum in Springfield, MO
- The Gateway Arch in St. Louis
- Jesse James Home Museum in St. Joseph, MO
- Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum in Mansfield, MO
- Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, MO
- The Space Museum and Grissom Center in Bonne Terre, MO
- Union Station in Kansas City
- Dragon Rock in Springfield, MO
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 CD Caregiver Portal
CD has a Caregiver Portal for foster, relative, respite, legal guardianship and adoptive families! This portal is the first phase of a multi-year project. This phase allows caregivers to see their demographics, what placements they have, and their financial information.
If you have any trouble, please email FosterCare@dss.mo.gov and we will assist you.
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Foster Parent Identification Cards
All Foster Parents should have a Foster Parent ID card. This is provided to you after you are licensed. If you do not have an ID card, please email FosterCare@dss.mo.gov to start your application.
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Family Resource Centers
Family Resource Centers are not-for-profit agencies that work with CD to provide support, services, and resources to meet the unique needs of foster, adoptive, relative, and guardianship children and their families.
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CD Wants to Hear from You!
If there is information you would like covered in future Foster Parent Connections Newsletters, please email Abigail.J.Smith@dss.mo.gov.
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