MO HB2492

Establishes a formal definition of "kin" for foster care placements, including godparents, neighbors, teachers, close family friends, fellow church members, and distant relatives beyond the third degree of consanguinity

Creates a prioritized placement order: (1) grandparents and relatives, (2) trusted adults with preexisting relationships to the child, (3) licensed foster parents

Requires the children's division to make diligent efforts to locate grandparents and give them preference and first consideration for foster home placement

Allows non-safety-related licensure standards to be waived on a case-by-case basis for grandparents, kin, or relatives, and permits expedited licensing when a child is placed in their care

Requires siblings to be placed together when possible, with frequent visitation required if they must be separated