Home » Adoptions by State » Your Complete Guide to Adoption in Missouri » Missouri: Adoption by City » Columbia Adoption &Foster Care Resources Columbia Adoption &Foster Care Resources If you are considering adoption in Columbia as a prospective adoptive parent or a pregnant woman, you likely have questions about local adoption laws and processes. How does it work? What do you need to get started? Who can guide you through this complicated process? Take a deep breath. This guide is here to help. Whether you are from Columbia or hoping to pursue adoption in Columbia, Mo., the following information provides an overview of everything you need to start the adoption process. 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 and Local Professionals in Columbia, MO The adoption professional you choose to work with will provide pre- and post-adoption services and help guide you through the adoption process. For the most complete level of service during your adoption, consider working with private adoption agencies in Columbia, Missouri. Whether you’re considering adopting a baby or placing a child for adoption, these professionals can provide all of the support and case management you need. If you are interested in working with an adoption professional near Columbia, the following local professionals can help you get started: American Adoptions 1125 Grand Blvd, Suite 1301 Kansas City, MO 64106 A Gift of Hope Adoptions 303 N. Stadium Blvd., Suite 200 Columbia, Missouri 65203 Lutheran Family and Children’s Services 307 Locust St. Columbia, MO 65201 Foster Care Adoption Agencies in Columbia, Missouri Becoming a foster parent or adopting from foster care can be a life-changing journey. You can provide children in state custody a new start with a loving, supportive family. Foster parent qualifications are determined by the state. To become a foster parent in Missouri, you must fulfill the following requirements: Be 21 years of age or older Be in good health Have a steady source of income Complete foster parent training and licensing Pass a background check If you need more information about foster care adoption in Columbia, Mo., please contact one of the following organizations: Missouri Department of Social Services 212 Portland St. Columbia, MO 65201 The Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association 105 E. Ash Columbia, MO 65202 Columbia Foster and Adoption Project 3411 Whitney Court Columbia, MO 65203 The Adoption Exchange Heart Gallery of Missouri International Adoption Agencies in Columbia, Missouri Another way parents can adopt in Columbia is through international adoption. Adopting a child from another country can take a long time, a great deal of money and a lot of commitment — but, when it’s right for you, it can be a life-changing journey. You’ll need to work with a Hague-certified adoption agency to move forward. Consider these professionals: America World Adoption 508 Audubon Place Court Manchester, MO 63021 Nightlight Christian Adoptions 10306 Business 21 Hillsboro, MO 63050 Attorneys and Law Firms for Adoption in Columbia, Missouri An adoption attorney is a necessary professional in every Columbia adoption journey, whether or not an agency is involved. Your Columbia adoption lawyer will confirm your journey meets state and local laws, and they will work to serve your rights and interests at every step along the way. Many adoption agencies have connections with local Columbia adoption attorneys, such as: Michael J. Belfonte, P.C. 14801 E. 42nd St S. Independence, MO 64055 Benner Law 29 S. Ninth St. Columbia, MO 65201 Carson & Coil, P.C. 515 E. High St. #401 Jefferson City, MO 65101 Columbia Family Law Group LLC 1200 Rogers St. Columbia, MO 65201 Pingelton Law Firm 28 N. Eighth Street, #408 Columbia, MO 65201 Stange Law Firm 1506 Chapel Hill Road, Suite H Columbia, MO 65203 Columbia Adoption Home Study Providers All prospective adoptive parents must complete a pre-placement and post-placement assessment to be approved to foster or adopt a child. These assessments — known collectively as the “home study investigation” — determine whether the adoptive parents are able to provide a safe, nurturing home to a child. If you are interested in adopting a child, the following Missouri-licensed professionals can help you with this crucial step of the process: American Adoptions 1125 Grand Blvd., Suite 1301 Kansas City, MO 64106 Love Basket Adoptions 10306 Business 21 Hillsboro, MO 63050 All Blessings International Hospitals and Prenatal Care in Columbia If you are considering “giving your child up” for adoption in Columbia, you will need to consider your hospital plan as your due date approaches. You can work with your adoption specialist and healthcare provider to determine the type of labor and delivery experience you want to have. Remember: All of your medical and adoption expenses will be covered by your adoption professional. This choice will always be 100% free for you. When you are ready to begin creating your hospital plan, here are some Columbia hospitals that you might consider: Boone Hospital Center 1600 E. Broadway Columbia, MO 65201 University of Missouri Women’s and Children’s Hospital 404 Keene St. Columbia, MO 65201 County Court Information After completing all the required post-placement assessments, adoptive families must appear in court to finalize their adoption. Your adoption professional and/or attorney will guide you through the process and let you know when your hearing will take place. Learn more about your local court proceedings at the Boone County Circuit Clerk’s Office. Things to Do in Columbia If you are adopting in Columbia but you live in another state, you will need to remain in Missouri for 7–10 business days after placement, per ICPC regulations. But, whether you find yourself in the Columbia for visits with prospective birth parents or you’re waiting for interstate clearance, there are plenty of fun things to do in the area: Columbia Mall Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site Mizzou Botanic Garden Museum of Art and Archaeology 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 MoreSt. Louis Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesHere, you can find the resources you need to help you take the first steps toward adoption, including adoption professionals, home study providers, court...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 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