Events/Training
The two training classes detailed below are the required preservice training needed to become foster and adoptive parents.
Stars: 27 hours of competency training sessions for foster parents.
Spaulding: Once you've completed the Stars training program, you must complete this program in order to become an adoptive parent.
STARS stands for (Specialized Training Assessment Resources and Support/Skills)
This program is a resource - something that helps you and the Children's Division. It provides information you need, and we need, to make an informed decision whether this program is right for you, and you are right for the program. It will help you develop the special knowledge and skills important for foster/kinship and adopting the children we serve. STARS training will help you to be the best foster/kinship parent or adoptive parent you can be.
The training and assessment process will help the Children's Division decide if the program is right for you, and if you are right for the program. A lot of folks want to help, but not everyone can develop the knowledge and skills required to effectively foster/kinship or adopt. Through our Foster/Kinship STARS/Adopt STARS program preservice training sessions, and some individual meetings with you and your family, we'll figure this out together.
For more information about foster parent licensing in Jackson County contact Patty Champion at Patricia.Champion@dss.mo.gov , Gretchen Wheaton-Weston at Gretchen.J.WheatonWeston@dss.mo.gov or Terri Crutcher at Terri.A.Crutcher@dss.mo.gov call our foster/adopt information line at (816) 889-2595.
For more information on Jackson County adoptions contact Melody Garland at Melody.C.Garland@dss.mo.gov or call (816) 889-2426.
