Missouri Code of State Regulations
Title 13 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Division 35 - Children's Division
Chapter 73 - Child Placing Agencies
Section 13 CSR 35-73.012 - Basis for Licensure and Licensing Procedures

1. The application forms are published on the division's website and are incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule as published by the Department of Social Services, Children's Division, 205 Jefferson Street, 10th Floor, PO Box 88, Jefferson City, MO 65102, and on the web at https://www.dss.mo.gov/provider-ser-vices/children/residential-program/child-placing.htm, October 1, 2021. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions. The Child Placing Agency shall attach all additional supplementary materials and documentation that may be necessary to complete the required application. The Child Placing Agency shall submit the form with supplementary materials to the division by email at the following email address: CD.CHILDPLACIN-GAPPS@dss.mo.gov.

2. The application form shall be signed by the legally authorized representative of the Child Placing Agency. The division will accept electronic signatures (e-signatures).

3. The Child Placing Agency may apply to the division for permission to submit its application and supporting documentation by mail or private delivery services rather than email when there are unusual, compelling, and extenuating circumstances which make submission by email impossible. The Child Placing Agency shall apply for permission to file the materials with the division in writing, and shall explain the circumstances why it cannot submit the materials by email. The Child Placing Agency shall attach all documentation that may be necessary to complete the required notification. If the division grants permission under this subsection the agency may submit the form with supporting materials by mail, by private delivery service, or in person to the offices of the division at Residential Program Unit, 205 Jefferson Street, 10th Floor, PO Box 88, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102; or by email to CD.CHILDPLACIN-GAPPS@dss.mo.gov.

1. Documentation of the legal basis for operation;

2. A certified copy of the current Articles of Incorporation;

3. A copy of the current by-laws;

4. A list of the names and addresses of the current members of the governing board and a notarized letter of acceptance from each;

5. A completed personnel report on a form prescribed by the division;

6. Verification of the education, experience, and character of the administrator, all professional staff, and all contracted personnel;

7. Verification of a physical examination for all staff working directly with children, completed by a licensed physician or a registered nurse who is under the supervision of a licensed physician;

8. Certification that all individuals who are required to complete a background check are eligible for employment or presence at the Child Placing Agency as required in section 210.493, RSMo, and 13 CSR 35-71.015;

9. A chart depicting the agency's organizational structure and lines of supervision;

10. A proposed budget for a period of not less than twelve (12) months duration which shows both anticipated expenses and income for the period;

11. An itemized schedule of all fees to be assessed to applicants;

12. Verification of availability of not less than ninety (90) days operating capital;

13. A copy of the Civil Rights Agreement signed by the president of the governing board or the agency director;

14. An outline of the agency's proposed program and the specific geographic area to be served (this shall be directly related to the number of staff and the geographic area to which it can actually provide services);

15. A projected staffing plan for the anticipated capacity and programming of the agency;

16. A written statement clearly setting forth the authority and responsibilities delegated to a director, administrator, or supervisor, if other than the owner. When the responsibility for the operation of an agency rests with the governing board, that governing board shall establish written policies and procedures which clearly establish the lines of responsibility governing the operation of the agency. These shall include a statement of the kind and extent of authority delegated to the director employed to carry out the program;

17. A written description of intake policies which delineates the types of services to be provided, specific programs offered, and the methods of care and treatment to be provided;

18. Job title, job description, and minimum qualifications for all staff;

19. Written child abuse and neglect reporting policy;

20. Written personnel practices, including staff training and orientation;

21. Written discipline policy for children in care;

22. Written visitation policy for children in care;

23. Written health care policy for children in care which shall include preventive, medical, eye, hearing, and dental care;

24. A written statement of any religious practices or religious restrictions;

25. A written plan for all foster parent training; and

26. Proof of professional and commercial general liability insurance.

1. If the agency fails to follow through with completing the requirements for licensure within six (6) months of initial application;

2. When an application for licensure has been withdrawn, and the agency seeks to reapply;

3. When there is a change of ownership or corporate status of the agency;

4. When the division has revoked or refused to renew a license, and a new license is sought; or

5. When a license or application has been voluntarily surrendered or withdrawn by the applicant.

1 The type of change being requested;

2 The date the change will take effect;

3 Why the change is being requested; and

4 Any specific location changes including full address and telephone number

1. Verification of a biennial physical examination, completed by a licensed physician, registered nurse who is under the supervision of a licensed physician, or an advanced practice nurse in a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician for all staff working directly with children (see 13 CSR 35-73.030(3)(A));

2. A current governing board roster, with officers identified, including the addresses and a notarized letter of acceptance from each member;

3. A summary of any significant changes to programs and copies of any resulting policies or policy changes;

4. A copy of the current organizational chart;

5. A completed personnel report on a form prescribed by the division;

6. Certification that all individuals who are required to submit to a background check have completed their background checks and have been found eligible by the division for employment or presence at the Child Placing Agency as provided in section 210.493, RSMo, and 13 CSR 35-71.015;

7. Results of an annual check of the Child Abuse and Neglect CRU for all staff, contracted personnel, and volunteers working with children;

8. Results of the annual criminal records check for all staff, contracted personnel, and volunteers working with children;

9. A copy of a biennial financial audit and evaluation of the financial soundness of the operation conducted by a certified public accountant not employed by the agency;

10. A copy of the budget for the current calendar or fiscal year;

11. A statistical report on a form supplied by the division;

12. A list of the names and addresses of all current foster homes licensed by the agency;

13. An annual written plan for all foster parent training;

14. A written plan indicating how the agency will provide for the transfer of records on both open and closed cases in the event the agency closes;

15. An annual program evaluation;

16. An itemized schedule of all fees to be assessed to applicants; and

17. Copies of all written agreements (contracts) for the adoption process.