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.