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3-23-26
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The Children’s Division (CD) is preparing to launch the Foster Parent Portal, a new and secure online tool designed to simplify and organize the foster parent licensing experience. The portal will allow caregivers to access licensing information in one place, complete and upload forms, and receive important updates - all while continuing to work directly with their licensing caseworker.
As the portal rolls out, caregivers will receive clear updates and guidance to help them navigate the new system with confidence.
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Foster Parent Portal Awareness Survey
Your voice matters! As we continue building the new Foster Parent Portal, we want to make sure it actually works for you.
All licensed foster parents (relative, traditional, and respite) are invited to share their thoughts anonymously via mobile or desktop. The survey will remain open through April 3, 2026. Your input is vital in helping us shape future training and support.
Become a Foster Parent Portal Change Agent
CD is seeking dedicated resource providers to serve as Change Agents for the new Foster Parent Portal. As a Change Agent, you will act as a vital link between leadership and the foster parent community—sharing feedback, supporting the use of new tools, and championing positive change for families across the state.
If you are interested in this leadership role, please refer yourself by emailing the Change Agent Referral form to CD.CCWISTEAM@dss.mo.gov no later than March 25, 2026. You can find full details and the referral form in the attached documents.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2026* | 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Join the Children's Trust Fund and other state prevention agencies in raising awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month! Take a walk during your lunch, grab lunch at the food trucks at the Capitol, and stop by various resource booths to learn more!
The Department of Social Services (DSS) and CD will have booths set up at the Broadway State Office Building and the Jefferson State Office Building, respectively.
*Rain delay date April 29, 2026 at the same time.
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CD will host its first Quarterly Foster Parent Webinar on April 1, 2026, at noon. These webinars will be hosted by the Central Office Resource Development Program Unit and provide foster parents with timely updates and answers to questions about foster parent issues.
Foster parents can submit any questions they have prior to the webinar to FosterCare@dss.mo.gov with "Quarterly Webinar Question" in the subject line.
Please be sure to register and attend these meetings!
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Children’s Permanency Partnership (CPP) is pleased to share that its partnership network is expanding with the addition of TFI Family Services. CPP, formed in 2005 as a collaborative consortium of FamilyForward, Youth In Need, and Epworth, operates under a unified governance and accountability structure to support children and families across Missouri. The addition of TFI strengthens CPP’s service capacity while preserving its model of strong local leadership.
TFI brings more than 60 years of experience in foster care case management and child welfare services, further enhancing the network’s ability to provide consistent, high-quality services aligned with the performance standards established by the Missouri Children’s Division. CPP’s governance structure and regional leadership will remain the same, and the partnership remains focused on ensuring safe, stable, and loving homes for children while continuing to advance Missouri’s community-based care model.
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Join Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries in Columbia for a two-day event packed with inspiring speakers and hands-on workshops. Learn practical strategies for trauma-informed care, sensory needs, and more!
This conference is perfect for foster parents, caregivers, teachers, pastors, social workers, and anyone working with children who have experienced trauma. Professional development and training hours are available for foster parents and professionals.
Early Bird Tickets: $40 through March 27
Price increases to $50 after March 27
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable tools and encouragement to better serve vulnerable children.
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Nurture. Thrive. Repeat. is a free, one‑day conference, luncheon, and resource fair hosted by I Pour Life. The event brings together individuals, foster families, and organizations who support those impacted by foster care. It provides space to learn, connect, and collaborate while helping attendees strengthen their “why” for serving in this field or opening their homes.
Through speakers, discussions, and shared resources, participants gain insight, encouragement, and practical tools to deepen their impact—nurturing potential, empowering professionals to thrive, and carrying this investment forward into the community. Those interested in attending can register below.
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Teladoc Health: 24/7 Access to Care for Your Child
Show Me Healthy Kids provides Teladoc Health at no cost, giving caregivers convenient, around‑the‑clock access to in‑network medical professionals by phone or video. This service makes it easier to get quick support for common, non‑emergency health concerns, with same‑day visits and minimal wait times.
What Teladoc Can Help With:
- Colds, flu, and fevers
- Rashes and skin concerns
- Sinus issues and allergies
- Respiratory infections
- Pink eye
- Ear infections
Before the first visit, caregivers will need to set up the child’s Teladoc account at https://member.teladoc.com/registrations/get_started or by scanning the QR code.
Behavioral Health Support Through Teladoc
Show Me Healthy Kids also provides access to licensed mental health professionals through Teladoc Health. Visits are available by phone or video, offering a private and comfortable way for members ages 18 and older to receive support.
Behavioral Health Can Help With:
- Anxiety or depression
- Negative thought patterns
- Sleep difficulties
- Relationship concerns
- Trauma or PTSD
- Medication management (psychiatry only)
Behavioral health appointments are available Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. CST.
For assistance, caregivers can call SMHK at 1‑877‑236‑1020, ext. 6075125 (TTY 711) or email HSH_Anchors@homestatehealth.com.
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Get Started with the Mobile App in 3 Easy Steps:
- Search “Health Insurance Portal” in the App Store or Google Play.
- Select Missouri from the state dropdown menu.
- Log in with your Show Me Healthy Kids member portal credentials—or create a new account.
Prefer Using a Computer? Visit www.HomeStateHealth.com
- Choose “MO HealthNet Managed Care – Medicaid.”
- Under Member News & Resources, select “Mobile App.”
- Follow the instructions to complete login or registration.
Your role matters. With the mobile app you have the tools to help the youth in your care thrive - every step of the way. Download the app or log in online today!
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Season 4, Episode 2: "It's Not Easy, But It Is Truly Worth It" A Foster Mom Reveals the Truth Behind the Myths
In this week’s episode, Shasta Miller, Jessica Fox, and Ashton Kever talk with foster mom Michelle Ward about the real challenges and rewards of fostering teens. Michelle opens up about overcoming the myths that once made her think she wasn’t “qualified,” navigating trauma-driven behaviors and false allegations, and experiencing both deep heartbreak and deep joy through her placements. Her message for anyone considering fostering: “It’s not easy, but it is truly worth it.”
If you know someone considering fostering, this conversation will leave them inspired and informed. Please share it with them and help them get started on their foster parenting journey on our website.
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Capacity of Foster Homes
Missouri law sets limits on how many children may be placed in a foster home to ensure safety and appropriate care.
Maximum Number of Children in the Home:
- A foster home may have no more than six children total.
- This count includes all foster children and the foster parent’s own children until they turn 18.
Age‑Based Limits:
- No more than two children under age 2.
- No more than four children under age 5.
- These limits may be exceeded only when keeping a sibling group together temporarily.
Homes Serving Youth With Elevated or Elevated Medical Needs:
- Homes licensed for elevated needs or elevated medical needs may have no more than four total placements.
- Of those, no more than two may be youth with elevated needs.
- The foster parent’s own children are included in the total until they turn 18.
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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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CD is sharing the following information for awareness. The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Courage2Report School Safety Team has identified Nitazenes - a highly potent synthetic opioid - in some Missouri schools. Nitazenes may be 5-9 times stronger than fentanyl and can require multiple doses of Narcan to reverse an overdose. They have no approved medical use and are produced illicitly, often appearing as counterfeit pills or powders and mixed with other substances.
Possible overdose signs include:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Cold or clammy skin
- Bluish or grayish lips or complexion
- Loss of consciousness
If team members receive calls or information related to this issue, they should alert their Regional Director and ensure law enforcement is involved as appropriate.
Learn more on the DEA’s Get Smart About Drugs site using the button below.
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988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. You are able to call, text, chat, or videophone. Reasons to reach out include (but not limited to): thoughts of suicide, emotional distress, substance use, trauma, anxiety, depression, worrying about someone else, financial or job stress, trouble thinking clearly, etc.
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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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