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