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Are you feeling overwhelmed and need help with your children?

There are resources available to help parents who are in crisis access emergency respite and/or foster care for their children. These resources exist to prevent child abuse and neglect and to provide support for families.

What is foster care?

Foster care can be a scary concept for some people. However, it is sometimes necessary when a family is in crisis and/or if the children are experiencing abuse or neglect. Foster care provides temporary, substitute care for a child in a home setting when the parent(s) is unable to provide that care. There is voluntary and involuntary foster care. Here is the difference…

Voluntary Foster Care: Voluntary foster care is an available resource that provides temporary care for a child in a foster home, at the parent’s request. Voluntary foster care is often used when parents are experiencing crisis, or when they are considering an adoption plan. Voluntary foster care is often provided by a private agency. Foster parents are loving people who are trained, licensed and go through extensive background testing before they can provide this care.

• Agencies that provide voluntary foster care include Lutheran Family and Children's Services, Christian Family Services and Catholic Services for Children and Youth. Services may vary depending on need and availability.

Involuntary Foster Care:Sometimes foster care is necessary when a child is abused and/or neglected, resulting in the need for the state to intervene and remove the child from his/her parents for their own protection.

• The Missouri Department of Social Services is the primary contact for involuntary foster care situations (when there is concern about abuse and/or neglect of a child). Click here to view their website.

What about St. Louis Crisis Nursery?

St. Louis Crisis Nursery provides short term emergency shelter for children (age 0-10) whose families are experiencing crisis situations. This service is provided to support families and prevent child abuse and/or neglect. The average length of stay is 2-3 days. There are 3 locations in the St. Louis Metropolitan are. Click here for more information, or call one of their three locations at Forest Park Hospital 314-768-3201, Christian Hospital Northeast 314-953-8030, and St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles 636-947-0600.

How can the Children’s Division help?

The Children’s Division hotline is available for people to make confidential reports of abuse and/or neglect of children. Parents or caregivers can also call the hotline if they are experiencing crisis and need referrals for emergency respite for their children, or other assistance so that they can get back on their feet and continue caring for their family. The Children’s Division hotline number is 1-800-392-3738.