Bringing a child into your home through foster care, adoption or kinship care is an act of love. It can also be harder than anyone told you. A child who has lived through loss, changes in caregivers or early hard experiences may react in ways that don't make sense at first: big meltdowns over small things, pushing away the people who love them most, trouble sleeping or eating, or worries about being sent away.

These are not signs that you are failing. They are often signs that your child's brain and body learned to stay on guard. With the right support, children can learn that they are safe now, and families can grow closer.

How we help foster and adoptive families

Every therapist on our team works with foster and adoptive families. Our approach is grounded in attachment, trauma and play therapy research, drawing on experts like Dr. Bruce Perry, Dr. Karyn Purvis, Dan Hughes and Dan Siegel. We use connection first, because children heal in relationships.

Depending on your child's age and needs, therapy may include:

• Play therapy, so children can express what they may not have words for
• Attachment-focused, parent-involved sessions that help you and your child build trust
• Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)–informed and DDP-informed strategies for connecting, correcting and empowering
• Trauma therapy, including EMDR for children and teens when appropriate
• PCIT for younger children, to build warmth and cooperation
• Parent coaching so you have tools for the hard moments at home

Common concerns we help with

• Grief and loss, even in positive placements or adoptions
• Questions about identity and birth family
• Trauma, including neglect or abuse in a child's past
• Sibling relationships and blending families
• Food, sleep and big-feeling struggles
• Transitions: new placements, reunification, school changes

Working with your team

Foster and kinship families often have caseworkers, guardians ad litem and schools involved. With the right permissions, we can coordinate with your child's team so everyone is working toward the same goals.

Insurance

Many children in foster care and adoptive placements have Medicaid coverage. We are in network with Kansas Medicaid (KanCare, including UHC Community Plan), Missouri Medicaid plans including Home State Health and Healthy Blue Missouri, and Aetna. Our intake team can help you sort out benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all of your therapists work with foster and adoptive families?

Yes. Every therapist on our team can help foster, adoptive and kinship families.

My child's behavior got harder after placement. Is that normal?

It is very common. Children often test whether a new home is truly safe. Therapy helps you understand what the behavior is communicating and how to respond.

Do you accept Medicaid for foster children?

Yes. We are in network with Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) and Missouri Medicaid plans, including Home State Health and Healthy Blue Missouri.

Will parents be involved in therapy?

Yes. Caregivers are central to healing. You'll be informed along the way and often invited into sessions.

Can you coordinate with our caseworker or school?

Yes, with the appropriate signed releases, we can coordinate with caseworkers, schools and other members of your child's team.

Schedule an Appointment

Your family deserves support from people who understand. Call 913-229-5691 to get matched with a therapist at one of our five offices or by telehealth.