Missouri Adoption Guidelines
Age
By law, one must be age 21 to complete an adoption.
Marital Status
Both married and single persons are encouraged to apply. There is no minimum number of years of marriage required for couples. We also believe in the ability of single parents to provide a good home and applications from these persons are welcome.
Finances
Your ability to manage your income is more important than how much money you have. It is only necessary that you have enough income on a regular basis to insure reasonable financial security in providing for the child's care.
Housing
It is not necessary to own your own home in order to adopt. Your living arrangements should offer enough space and should insure the health, safety, and well-being of your family and the child you wish to adopt.
Health
Your physical health and life expectancy, as well as your emotional health, are important. We seek parents who would be expected to live to see the adopted child reach adulthood. Parents should be able to handle the everyday responsibilities of raising a child.
Employment
The adoption field now recognizes that it may not only be necessary, but also beneficial, for mothers to be employed outside the home. If both parents are working we will evaluate child care plans, working hours and family schedules. Primarily, we are concerned with a family's ability to meet the emotional and physical needs of children.
Religion
It is recognized that a family's values and beliefs are influential and significant in a child's development. However, adoptive applicants are not required to claim certain religious faiths. Our main concern is the provision of a wholesome environment in which the child is accepted and nurtured.
Criminal Record
A background review is conducted to determine if an applicant has a criminal record. If a criminal record is found it will be evaluated in relation to current functioning. Withholding information of a criminal record may warrant denial of an application.
For more information on Missouri's adoption guidelines contact Melody Garland at Melody.C.Garland@dss.mo.gov or call (816) 889-2426.
