Home » Adoptions by State » Your Complete Guide to Adoption in Missouri » Missouri: Adoption by City » St. Louis Adoption & Foster Care Resources St. Louis Adoption & Foster Care Resources Whether you are a family hoping to adopt or a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may have a number of questions about how to start the adoption process. Finding national resources on adoption is easy — but what about when you want to find information that’s a little closer to home? We’ve got you covered. Here, you can find the resources you need for your adoption in St. Louis. Whether you’re adopting or placing a child for adoption, check out the professionals below to get started. Below, we’ve listed both national and local professionals that serve the state of Missouri. We’ve included the local offices of these professionals, where applicable. Domestic Adoption Agencies & Local Professionals in St. Louis Both expectant mothers and hopeful families will require the help of an adoption professional to complete their St. Louis infant adoption plan. Adoption agencies can be particularly beneficial, as they are full-service providers who can help you with every step of the process. Follow the links below to contact some of the adoption professionals in your area: American Adoptions 1125 Grand Blvd., Suite 1301 Kansas City, MO 64106 Bethany Christian Services 1300 Hampton Ave., Suite 202 St. Louis, MO 63139 Christian Family Services, Inc. 7955 Big Bend Blvd. Webster Groves, MO 63119 Good Shepherd 1340 Partridge Ave. St. Louis, MO 63130 St. Louis Foster Care Professionals Parents looking to adopt an older child may want to look into options for foster care near them. In order to be a foster parent in Missouri, you must meet the following criteria: Be at least 21 years old Show proof of a steady income Be in good physical condition Complete a child abuse and background check Complete required training process If you would like to become a foster parent or learn more about the process, contact one of your local professionals: The Adoption Exchange Missouri DSS Children’s Division 205 Jefferson Jefferson City, MO 65101 Bringing Families Together 7151 N. Lindbergh Blvd. Hazelwood, MO 63042 Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition 1750 S Brentwood Blvd., Suite 210 St. Louis, MO 63144 Great Circle 330 N. Gore Ave. St. Louis, MO 63119 Good Shepherd 1340 Partridge Ave. St. Louis, MO 63130 Our Little Haven 4435 W. Pine Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108 St. Louis International Adoption Agencies If you want to adopt a child from another country, you’ll need to work with a Hague-approved agency to do so safely, legally and ethically. While options for international placements have declined in the last few decades, there are still paths available for those who wish to build their family this way. Reach out to any of these international adoption agencies in St. Louis to learn more: America World Adoption 508 Audubon Place Court Manchester, MO 63021 Lutheran Family and Children Services 9666 Olive Blvd. Olivette, MO 63132 All Blessings International St. Louis Adoption Attorneys & Law Firms Every adoption — no matter what type — requires the services of a licensed adoption attorney. This is the only way you can safely and ethically complete an adoption. Your attorney will confirm that your process meets state and local laws, and they will represent your best interests during your St. Louis adoption. Here are a few local professionals you might want to work with: Michael Belfonte, P.C. 14801 E. 42nd St. South Independence, MO 64055 Cavanaugh & Associates 231 S Bemiston Ave., Suite 910 St. Louis, MO 63105 Keefe & Brodie 222 S. Central Ave., Suite 708 Clayton, MO 63105 Paul, Camazine & Blumenthal, PC 165 N. Meramec Ave., Suite 110 St. Louis, MO 63105 Page Law 9930 Watson Road, Suite 100 St. Louis, MO 63126 St. Louis Adoption Home Study Providers The home study is the process in which a social worker reviews your home and family to make sure you are ready to adopt a child. This adoption requirement consists of a background check and collection of documents, a home inspection, and an interview of everyone in the household. The process can take a while, so we recommend adoptive parents begin their home study as early as possible. If you are ready to get started, you can contact one of the following Missouri-licensed professionals: American Adoptions 1125 Grand Blvd., Suite 1301 Kansas City, MO 64106 Christian Family Services 7955 Big Bend Blvd. Webster Groves, MO 63119 Love Basket Adoptions 10306 Business 21 Hillsboro, MO 63050 All Blessings International St. Louis Hospitals & Prenatal Care Providers If you are a pregnant woman pursuing adoption for your child, you will want to speak to your St. Louis adoption professional and healthcare provider as your due date approaches. Together, you will be able to plan what kind of delivery experience you want, who you want to be with you, and how much time you would like with your baby. There are a few local options to choose from for your delivery location: Barnes Jewish Hospital South 1 Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza St. Louis, MO 63110 Missouri Baptist Medical Center 3015 N. Ballas Road St. Louis, MO 63131 Anthony’s Medical Center 10010 Kennerly Road St. Louis, MO 63128 Luke’s Hospital 232 S. Woods Mill Road Chesterfield, MO 63017 County Court Information Before an adoption is official, adoptive parents must complete their journey with a legal adoption finalization. This court hearing typically takes place about six months after placement; it’s often a quick and easy process to make your child an official part of the family. Some hearings may even be conducted via phone or video-chat. Below, you can find information on the county courts in greater St. Louis. Please speak with your St. Louis adoption attorney to determine which county will finalize your adoption. Franklin County Jefferson County Lincoln County St. Charles County St. Louis County Warren County Washington County Things to Do in St. Louis Any parents adopting in St. Louis from out of state must remain in a prospective birth mother’s state for 7-10 business days after placement. This is known as the ICPC process, which ensures an adoption is completed safely, ethically and legally across state lines. Whether you’re hanging in St. Louis due to ICPC or for pre- or post-placement open adoption visits, you can visit some of the following locations and attractions: Gateway Arch Missouri Botanical Garden St. Louis Art Museum St. Louis Science Center St. Louis Zoo Want to learn more about placing a child for adoption or adopting a baby in St. Louis? Fill out our informational form to be connected with local infant adoption professionals. Missouri: Adoption by City Kansas City Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesThe following resources will help guide you through each stage of adopting in Kansas City; read on to find information about adoption agencies, foster...Learn MoreSpringfield Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesThe following Springfield adoption information can help answer important adoption questions for women and couples living in the Springfield area.Learn MoreColumbia Adoption &Foster Care ResourcesWhether you are from Columbia or hoping to pursue adoption in Columbia, the following information provides an overview of the information you need to...Learn MoreIndependence Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesPreparing to begin the Missouri adoption process? Then you’ll need local professional resources for your Independence adoption. Whether you need to place your baby...Learn MoreLee’s Summit Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesTaking those first steps in your Lee’s Summit adoption journey are some of the hardest. But you’re not on your own — we’ve made...Learn MoreO’Fallon Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesWe know that starting the Missouri adoption process can be intimidating. So to help, we’ve compiled a list of everything you’ll need if you’re...Learn MoreSt. Joseph Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesHave you been thinking about beginning the Missouri adoption process? If you’re considering placing your baby for adoption in St. Joseph, MO, or if...Learn More