May is National Foster Care Month and we want to start the month off right by saying "thank you."

Thank you to our dedicated foster parents, our partner organizations, our advocates, our case workers and team members, and all those who play an important role in bettering the lives of children in foster care.

Our work is made possible by each of you and we are so grateful for your enduring commitment to our shared purpose.

First Episode of "Become a Foster Parent 101" Video Series Now Available for Download

Throughout the month of May, Cornerstones of Care will celebrate National Foster Care Month by releasing additional videos from the new “Become A Foster Parent 101” series. Each video features Cornerstones of Care team members and current or former foster parents sharing their insights about foster parenting and the positive difference it makes in the lives of youth in their care.

The video series encourages prospective foster parents in Missouri and Kansas to help fill the gap between youth in need and foster families. Even as the number of children in out-of-home foster care in Missouri and Kansas have fallen from 2021 totals, each state has more youth in care than the number of foster homes available.

The four videos will educate prospective foster parents about the foster care system, the experience of youth who are removed from their homes, and help to clear up misconceptions about foster care.

• Learn about the fundamentals of foster care in Make a Difference in a Child’s Life.
• How a Child Comes into Foster Care guides viewers through the foster care process, dispels myths, and explains trauma-informed care.
• The Types of Foster Care will show prospective foster parents where they may fit in the spectrum of foster care opportunities.
• How to Get Started prepares prospective foster families for the applications, home visits, and licensing requirements as they prepare for their first placement.

North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) Conference Scholarship Opportunity

As a current foster or adoptive family, you are invited to attend the NACAC Conference in Kansas City from July 18-21. This conference is open to adoptive, foster, and kinship families, as well as child welfare professionals.

Topics will include supporting families through every parenting stage, core issues (e.g. attachment, race and equity, overcoming rejection, identity and belonging), recruiting families, and parenting strategies for behavioral challenges, trauma, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and more.

Scholarships are available for Missouri adoptive, foster, and kinship parents to attend this in-person training of over 60 sessions.

If you have any questions, contact Vickie.Stoneberger@dss.mo.gov or visit the NACAC website.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

What is Youth Mental Health First Aid?

Training on identifying, understanding, and responding to signs of mental challenges among youth 

What You Will Learn About:

• Adolescent development
• Mental health challenges experienced by youth
• 5-step action plan for helping youth