Missouri Adoption Agency

Missouri Adoption Agency: Eligibility Requirements

Nightlight® Christian Adoptions Missouri Adoption Agency is licensed by the Missouri Department of Social Services to select suitable families for children needing adoption. The selection of adoptive parents is based on their eligibility to meet state and agency requirements, foreign country requirements (if applicable), their capacity for adoptive parenthood, and the availability of children whose needs they can meet.

RESIDENCE

Nightlight can perform Agency Adoptions only for families throughout the United States. Please contact our office for specific details.

RELIGION

Applicants must be committed to providing their child with a constructive, wholesome and spiritual home environment. Applicants will be asked to write a response to a statement of faith inquiry.

HEALTH

Adoptive applicants must give evidence of good health, both physical and mental, which will be verified during the home study process by medical examinations and other assessments.

AGE

All adoptive parents must be 21 or older, however, birth mothers tend to prefer couples who demonstrate a youthful outlook and an active lifestyle.

MARRIAGE

Applicants need to be married for at least 3 years but exceptions may be made. This time frame allows the adoptive couple sufficient time to establish a home, financial security, and to adjust to the marriage as well as each other. Married applicants must have a satisfying and secure marriage. Single parents are eligible to adopt if they meet the qualifications of a stable home environment, financial security and have a strong support network of family and friends. However, few birth mothers choose single parents when married couples are available.

EDUCATION

Online classes and reading pertaining to parenting skills and adoption issues are required of adoptive families. First aid and CPR classes are also a requirement. Additionally, adoptive families will attend a one-day orientation seminar. Our goal is to prepare you to be the best parents possible for your child.

FINANCES

Adoptive applicants must be able to provide a financially stable home, demonstrated by a solid credit history and ability to live within their means.

PREGNANCY

Couples should not be undergoing fertility treatments during the adoption process. If you become pregnant while in the adoption process, notify our office immediately. We will place your file on hold. When you are ready to consider adoption again – generally at least when your child is nearing their first birthday – call us to discuss re-activating your file.

ADOPTION OF SUBSEQUENT CHILDREN

In order to have adequate time for attachment and bonding, it is important to have a minimum of one year with the child/ren in the home before beginning placement of another child in the home. Please take this into consideration when starting the adoption process.

DOMESTIC ADOPTION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For answers to your questions about domestic adoption, visit the Domestic Adoption FAQ’s Section

MO Office Info

MISSOURI DOMESTIC ADOPTION GETTING STARTED CHECKLIST

We would love to see you at one of our free information seminars! These seminars are an excellent way to have your preliminary questions answered, get to know the Nightlight staff and meet other families beginning the adoption process. Seminars are held every 2 months. Call the office for more information and to RSVP for an upcoming seminar.

How do we get started?

Contact Lara Kelso for a link to the Online application
Read our Domestic Adoption Booklet found on the Domestic Adoption page and sign the Domestic Agreement with fee schedule.
Begin the Home Study

Once we receive your application, we will contact you to discuss the domestic program and send you our Agreement. Once the Agreement is received, we will assist you with beginning the home study process, which is the first step in the domestic program.

Please read the information provided and FAQs before submitting your application. If you have questions, contact Lara Kelso, Domestic Program Manager, by phone at (636) 797-4100 or by e-mail at lara.kelso@nightlight.org.