Foster Care & Adoption
Summary
Epworth began offering private, foster care case management services in 2005 as part of a four-agency partnership (Children’s Permanency Partnership). One primary aim of the program is to match foster children with permanent loving homes, whether by reunifying families through focused support, matching children with caring foster homes, or adoption. Among many other services, Epworth provides training and assessment for individuals, couples and families who have room in their homes, lives, and hearts for a child in need. There are thousands of children throughout Missouri who desperately need the love, care, and guidance a foster home can offer. Epworth foster families are licensed through the Missouri Department of Social Services-Children’s Division and receive financial assistance, as well as ongoing training and support.
Requirements to be a foster parent
You must be at least 21 years old, complete various background checks and attend necessary training. You will receive a physical standards checklist for your home, and a family development specialist will complete your home study. Epworth staff will support you throughout the process and answer your questions. The application process and training are free of charge. Once licensed, foster families are eligible to receive reimbursement for child care related expenses.
Anyone with time and love to share can be a foster parent. Single people and those who work full time DO qualify. Please contact Casie Neu, Epworth’s Family Development Specialist, for more information at 314.534.9350 ext. 217 or via email cneu@epworth.org.
Download the Foster Care application (1.4 MB pdf file)
Fostering Faithful Families
Finding Families for Missouri's Foster Kids
Missouri has more than 10,000 children in the foster care system. Fifty percent of these children are in non-relative foster homes. Approximately 1,400 of those children are waiting to find their forever family.
Fostering Faithful Families is partnering agencies and local churches to do everything we can to meet this great need in our area!
While not every family is called to open their home to a child in need, everyone can be involved in caring for God’s children. Take time to explore how the Lord may be asking you to serve those who are desperately in need of our help. We are looking for Ambassadors to begin this ministry in their church. Help us recruit new foster/adopt families and find ways that your church community can wrap your arms around these families as we journey together to find permanent loving homes for God's children.
"whoever welcomes one of these little children
in my name welcomes me." Mark 9:37
For more information about Fostering Faithful Families,
contact Corey Logan at (314) 534.9350 ext. 250.