Foster Care Statistical Information
As of December 31, 2010, there were 10,174 children in the custody of the Children’s Division. 3,427 of youth placed in the foster care system live in the homes of relative and kinship providers.
The average age of children in foster care is just below 10 years. Their average stay in alternative care is over 24 months.
There are 2,795 licensed foster homes across the state of Missouri and another 2,004 licensed relative and kinship homes.
All foster care and relative care providers receive specialized training. Prospective foster parents take a total of 27 hours of training on five competencies necessary to work with the children in CD custody and their families. Those competencies are:
- Protecting and nurturing children;
- Meeting children’s developmental needs and addressing developmental delays;
- Supporting relationships between children and their families;
- Connecting children to safe, nurturing relationships intended to last a lifetime; and
- Working as a member of a professional team.
Relative providers complete nine hours of agency–approved training. All prospective caregivers must complete a comprehensive background check.