1. Program Definition and Services Provided 

Respite care in Missouri is designed to provide temporary relief from stressful situations for foster families. It can be planned in advance or used in emergency situations. Services include daily, overnight, or weekly care for children in foster care, supporting the health and stability of foster families and children 

2. Regulations 

Current regulations governing respite care services in Missouri include: 

• 19 CSR 15-7.021: In-Home Service Standards, which outline supervision requirements for respite care workers 

• CSR 40-60.040: Physical Standards for Foster Homes, applicable to out-of-home respite care providers 

3. Licensing or Certification 

To operate as a respite care provider in Missouri, you must be approved by the Children's Division. This involves completing specific training and meeting licensing requirements for out-of-home providers. A license is not explicitly required for in-home respite care, but approval is necessary. 

4. Responsible State Agency 

The Missouri Department of Social Services, Children's Division is responsible for approving respite care providers 

5. Application Process 

The application process involves submitting a Respite Care Application to the local Children's Division Office or via email to fostercare@dss.mo.gov. There is no specific online platform for submitting applications 

6. Required Documentation 

• Respite Care Application: CS-RC-1 

• Fingerprints: Every two years 

• Criminal Background Checks: CA/N and Case.Net checks 

• Family Care Safety Registry Form 

• Sex Offender List Check 

• Respite Care Provider Approval: CS-RC-3 

• Cooperative Agreement for the Purchase of Foster Respite Care Services: CM-10 

• Resource Parent Discipline Agreement: CD-119 

• Safe Sleep Practices: CD-117 

7. Timeline for Approval 

The application process must be completed within 90 days. This includes home visits and background checks 

8. Pre-Application Process 

There is no formal pre-license application process, but applicants must meet with the Children's Division to discuss respite care and its requirements 

9. Pre-Application Training 

Applicants must complete Introduction to Foster Care and Respite Care Provider Training before providing services. This training is part of the approval process 

10. Additional Notes 

• Respite care providers must renew their approval every two years, which involves a summary of previous year's activity, background checks, and a new CS-RC-2 form 

• The capacity of placements is determined using the CS-RC-2 form, with a maximum of five placements for providers contracted only as respite parents