Missouri Foster Respite Care: What You Need to Know

Respite care provides essential temporary relief for foster families, allowing caregivers to take a break while ensuring children remain in a safe and supportive environment. Here’s everything you need to know about respite care in Missouri, including how nonprofit organizations can get involved.

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​Can a Nonprofit Organization Provide Foster Respite Care in Missouri? 

The Missouri Department of Social Services under Children's Division - As of 2021 nonprofit organizations in Missouri could not be licensed as foster care homes but could collaborate with the Missouri Children's Division to provide respite care services is supported by information from the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS).

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How Many Days Does Missouri Cover for Respite Care?

Missouri provides up to 12 days per year of state-funded respite care for licensed foster parents. Additional respite care may be arranged through private funding or nonprofit support.

Learn more about eligibility and funding: Missouri Respite Care Policies.   More info

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What does Missouri Pay Respite Care Providers?

The state provides reimbursement for respite care based on the type of care and the age of the child

More info 

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Can I be licensed as only a foster respite care provider?

Yes, in Missouri, you can be licensed as a respite care provider. The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), specifically the Children's Division, oversees licensing for respite care providers. Respite care is typically provided for children with special needs, but foster care providers and others who serve children in need of temporary care also fall under this category. More info

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