Foster Care and Foster-to-Adopt

At Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City Crittenton Children’s Center, we believe every child has the right to grow up in an environment that meets all physical, emotional, and social needs. Unfortunately, some children in our community do not have a home that meets these basic needs. Crittenton Children’s Center’s foster care and foster-to-adopt programs work to place children in suitable homes, either temporarily or permanently.

Crittenton Children’s Center is actively seeking individuals and families that may be interested in becoming foster parents.

Foster home types

There are several types of foster homes that differ based on the parent’s backgrounds and abilities, and the child’s needs. Learn more about each one to determine which is best suited for you.

• Traditional foster home 
• Medical foster home
• Elevated needs foster home
• Respite home
• Emergency foster home

Did you know?

Fostering a child, in most cases, is temporary. Foster children often have been removed from their homes because they aren’t receiving adequate care. Foster parents provide a safe, caring home until the child can be reunited with their family.

Foster parents:

• Can be single or married
• May or may not have children
• Be a home owner or renter
• May or may not have pets
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Will undergo 30 hours training, provided at no cost

How to get started

Crittenton provides a wide range of services and resources for Missouri residents who are looking to provide a loving, stable environment for a child in need. Our goal is to help you fully understand the expectations of foster parents and provide education and ongoing support to ensure you have a positive experience.

We'll begin the process by answering all your questions and asking a few of our own. Prospective candidates are expected to enroll in a three-hour-per-week, 10-week training program.

A resource development specialist will visit your home to address common issues and misconceptions surrounding foster parenting. During the 10-week program, our specialists will work with you to determine if foster parenting is right for you.

Take the next step

Ready to learn more about becoming a foster parent? Fill out the form on the bottom of this page and our team will get back to you within three business days with next steps.

Not able to foster now, but want to help? During our work to find loving, stable home for children in need, we often have donation opportunities including year-round needs, school year needs, and larger item needs. Learn more about our needs on our donation page. Please call ahead, 816-765-6600, before dropping off any donations, as Crittenton Children’s Center is a secure facility.