Mo. Rev. Stat. » Chapter 453
Missouri Revised Statutes

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 453.005 (2026)

Construction of sections 453.010 to 453.400

✓ current as of May 2026
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  453.005.  Construction of sections 453.010 to 453.400 — ethnic and racial diversity considerations. — 1.  The provisions of sections 453.005 to 453.400 shall be construed so as to promote the best interests and welfare of the child in recognition of the entitlement of the child to a permanent and stable home.

  2.  The children's division and all persons involved in the adoptive placement of children as provided in subdivisions (1), (2) and (4) of section 453.014 shall provide for the diligent recruitment of potential adoptive homes that reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of children in the state for whom adoptive homes are needed.

  3.  Placement of a child in an adoptive home may not be delayed or denied on the basis of race, color or national origin.

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(L. 1985 H.B. 366, et al., A.L. 1997 H.B. 343, A.L. 2000 S.B. 757 & 602, A.L. 2001 S.B. 236, A.L. 2014 H.B. 1299 Revision)

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 23 cases (3 in the last 5 years), 1988–2025 · leading case: In re T.S.D., 419 S.W.3d 887 (Mo. Ct. App. 2014).
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In re T.S.D., 419 S.W.3d 887 (Mo. Ct. App. 2014). · cites it 4× “Section 453.005 requires this Court to construe the statutes at hand “so as to promote the best interests and welfare of the child in recognition of the entitlement of the child to a permanent and stable home.”
S.M. v. E.M.B.R., 332 S.W.3d 793 (Mo. 2011). · cites it 2× “Section 453.005 states that the chapter is to be construed “to promote the best interests and welfare of the child in recognition of the entitlement of the child to a permanent and stable home.”
D.F. v. C.D., 108 S.W.3d 669 (Mo. Ct. App. 2002). · cites it 4× “In addition to the general rules of statutory construction, Chapter 453 contains its own construction directive.”
In the Interest of D.S.G., 947 S.W.2d 516 (Mo. Ct. App. 1997). · cites it 2× “The plain language of Section 453.005 mandates that “[t]he provisions of sections 453.”
In Re Baby Girl ____, 850 S.W.2d 64 (Mo. 1993). “At the outset, § 453.005 identifies the guiding principle that should always remain in focus by stating that the Act is to be construed "to promote the best interests and welfare of the child in recognition of the entitlement of the child to a permanent home.”
In Re Adoption of ADA, 789 S.W.2d 842 (Mo. Ct. App. 1990). “” § 453.005. Another relevant section provides “[a] writ of summons and a copy of the petition shall be served on: (1) Any person, agency, organization or institution whose consent to the adoption is required by law unless such consent is filed in court.”
In Re Marriage of ASA, 931 S.W.2d 218 (Mo. Ct. App. 1996). “See also § 453.005. [5] Consent of the natural parents or involuntary termination of their parental rights is a prerequisite to any adoption.”
In Re Adoption of CMBR, 332 S.W.3d 793 (Mo. 2011). · cites it 2× “Section 453.005 states that the chapter is to be construed "to promote the best interests and welfare of the child in recognition of the entitlement of the child to a permanent and stable home.”
J.P. v. Missouri Dep't of Soc. Servs., 752 S.W.2d 847 (Mo. Ct. App. 1988). · cites it 2× “” § 453.005, RSMo Supp 1985. The adoption assistance program pursuant to which J.”
Halterman v. Halterman, 867 S.W.2d 559 (Mo. Ct. App. 1993). · cites it 2× “” (Citing RSMo 1929 now § 453.005, RSMo 1986.) Id. at 559[3]. The court further held that if one took a child into his home under circumstances which would show an equitable adoption, it would be inequitable and unfair to permit the kindred of that person after the person’s…”
In the Matter of the Adoption of: C.T.P. K.L. v. A.M. & R.M., Jr., 452 S.W.3d 705 (Mo. Ct. App. 2014). “Notably absent from this definition are adoption proceedings controlled by sections 453.005 to 453.170, wherein no authority is vested in a court to enter custodial or visitation orders of the nature described in section 452.”
In the Interest of S.R.F. v. G.P.F., 362 S.W.3d 420 (Mo. Ct. App. 2012). · cites it 2× “Section 453.005 states that the chapter is to be construed "to promote the best interests and welfare of the child in recognition of the entitlement of the child to a permanent and stable home.”
Show all 23 citing cases →
— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 453.005(1) — 1 case
In the Matter of: M.N.V. (Mo. Ct. App. 2021).
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