Mo. Rev. Stat. § 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.