About Us

Children's Home Society of Missouri (CHS) has been a leader in providing children with permanent, safe and loving homes since 1891. Founders Herman Bollman and Reverend C.W. Williams were pioneers in the emerging field of child welfare and envisioned a society that would provide homes for neglected and abused children. Their journey began with one small child and a contribution of $6.25.

Herman Bollman's counsel is as timeless today as it was then. "There will be years when you, as the background of this work, will wonder what is ahead….If we continue to put the interest of the child ahead of all else, we will succeed."

It has always been our belief that everything we do must be in the best interests of children in need. All of our programs and decisions serve to enhance the general well being of children by providing a greater degree of permanence and stability in their lives.

Childhood is a magical time. We strive to ensure each child is given the opportunity to experience their life to the fullest. For over 118 years we have formed thousands of families through adoption. CHS had a number of 'homes' in the city of St. Louis in our early years and moved to our Brentwood location in 1967. Today, our adoption services continue to build strong families.

In the early 1980's, under the discerning guidance of the members of our Board of Directors, we began providing short and long term care for children with developmental disabilities. We expanded our physical location to include a site in St. Charles in 1998. We support families raising a disabled child and provide a nurturing home to many children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Today we provide a full faceted program of services for children in need of a permanent home. Services include:

• pregnancy counseling, infant placements, assistance for families pursuing international adoptions, and intensive training and support for families able to adopt children presently in foster care.
• education and counseling services to further support the long term needs of families formed through adoption.
• Short and long term care for children with developmental disabilities and medical needs. Services include both long term residential care and short term stays which provide much needed respite for families and care givers.

Staff and our Board of Directors continually meet to consider current needs and challenges for children, as well as, innovative approaches to helping the community meet those needs.

Welcome to Children's Home Society of Missouri.

"Our legacy is not in the material things we possess. Our legacy is really in the lives that we touch and the way we change them."

- Former member of the Board of Directors