11,457. That is the number of children currently in foster care in Missouri. While this number may not seem that high, Missouri has almost twice as many children in foster care than states with a similar population.

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In 2024, Missouri has 560 less foster families than they did a year ago! That means there are less families to contact when there is a need for a home. That means other foster families have too many kids in their homes.

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That is why we work hard to recruit more families to care for children in the foster care system. That is why you see us talk so much about the need for foster families, adoptive families, and respite families! Every child should have a safe and loving family to care for them

Equip

More than 4 is the average number of homes a child in the Missouri foster care system can expect to live in. While there is no definitive answer as to why, we assume that when foster parents are well prepare, trained in trauma, and have a strong support network, they will be capable to provide the level of care each child who enters their home may need!

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More than 50% of children in foster care with the plan of adoption do not have a family yet to adopt them. But why? Adoption can be a scary thing. Adoption has so many unknowns causing a lot of fears. Adoption can be hard and families only hear horror stories. But there are so many children wanting a family to love them that have just as many fears!

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That is why we offer training throughout the year. Training that teaches about trauma and how it impacts the child. Training that is practical. Training that will hopefully reduce the number of placements a child experiences.

Support

On a child's worst days, having to wait in an agency office only adds more trauma.

This is why we started Sparrow House!

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Children in foster care deserve to feel loved and valuable. They deserve to have a car seat that is safe, a bed with a mattress, and clothes that fit properly.

This is why we give emergency items.

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Foster parents experience tremendous challenges when caring for kids who've experienced complex trauma. This can leave them feeling stressed, sad, and lonely. This is why we have support groups.

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Foster parents often are judged by others in the community because of the unique needs of a child they are caring for in their home. They say it's so much easier just to stay home. But it can lead to them feeling isolated. This is why we host free family events.