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Our Programs

RESPOND

RESPOND is a program specifically designed to increase the number of Black/African American non-relative foster families.

Recruiting Black/African American Foster Parents

Black/African American children are overrepresented in the child welfare system. In our region, 70% of youth in foster care are Black/African American; compared to 35% of the general population.

However, historically, only 13% of non-relative foster parents are Black/African American. Engaging and supporting Black/African American communities in the training and retention of foster parents is vital for creating a more equitable child welfare program.

  • RESPOND was in line with my desire to help address the overrepresentation of African American children in the foster care system. What type of role could I play in reducing trauma? So, you know, if not me, then who’s going to do it?
    – RESPOND Foster Parent
  • I attend a RESPOND support group every month and I look forward to it. It’s helpful because it’s good to talk with other foster parents. I like when they have speakers. Last month we learned more about mental health and special education.
    – RESPOND Foster Parent

How We RESPOND

Black/African American individuals have often been discouraged from pursuing foster parent licensing due to the lack of support and understanding they feel that they receive from social service workers. RESPOND is the opposite—we will be with you every step of the way.

  • First, our RESPOND Recruiter will spend time with you on the phone, giving you an overview of the process and indicate state mandated requirements.
  • Next, if you are interested in proceeding, the RESPOND Recruiter will come to your home to answer questions, review the paperwork, and complete an initial safety home walkthrough.
  • Following that initial home visit you will participate in ten weeks of classes.
  • Topics for the course include the basics of fostering, including loss, trauma, attachment, and building partnerships with the biological family.

During the ten weeks, your assigned RESPOND Family Development Specialist will come to your home three times to continue the home study process. Once the home study is complete, you will have obtained the credentials to apply to become a licensed foster parent. When your first placement occurs, your RESPOND Family Development Specialist will support at the time of your first placement and for the subsequent two years. RESPOND encourages Black/African American individuals to pursue foster parent licensing.

Learn More about RESPOND
Tuesday, October 28 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Join us for an informational Zoom session on the RESPOND program to learn how you can get involved. Click here to register.

What Makes it Unique?

RESPOND was a St. Louis-based agency in the 1990s. Founded by Black/African American foster and adoptive parents, they made an enormous difference elevating the number of Black/African American foster and adoptive families. In 2022, we asked the original RESPOND founders if they would allow us to re-launch RESPOND as a program of the Coalition. We are honored to have their approval.

Who is Eligible?

An adult (21+) who:

  • Lives in St. Louis City or the counties of Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Louis, or Warren
  • Commits to complete the required classes and home study

Measuring Impact

Successfully licensed families (with another 60 in process)

Of children placed in licensed family homes

Children matched with an adoptive or guardianship home

RESPOND was studied by the independent firm, The Mirror Group. Their October 2024 report found the program:

  • Significantly raised awareness of the shortage of Black/African American families.
  • Maintained strong satisfaction rates, with RESPOND families expressing high satisfaction with the support received during the licensing process.
  • Employed licensing specialists from diverse backgrounds and facilitated RESPOND support groups.

Inquire About Becoming a Foster or Adoptive Parent

Name

Mailing Address

Email Type
Phone Type
Are you licensed?
Are you interested in fostering, adopting or both?

If you are experiencing issues with this form, please call the Coalition at 314-367-8373 to inquire about becoming a foster or adoptive parent.