Children in Missouri’s foster care system are facing longer stays in care than the federal standard, with only 12 out of the state’s 114 counties meeting the requirement for timely permanent placements for children entering foster care. Data from the Missouri Department of Social Services shows that children in foster care in Missouri are facing more instability with their placements than the national average, and are being moved multiple times between foster homes and placements.
The Children’s Division in Missouri is working on establishing team decision-making meetings statewide to try to stabilize placements for foster children before they are moved to a new placement. This initiative is part of a performance improvement plan with the federal Children’s Bureau, as Missouri’s performance in timely permanent placements has been declining.
Legislators in Missouri are also focusing on reforming the foster care system, with a bill sponsored by Sen. Travis Fitzwater seeking to reduce the amount of time foster children spend in care by changing the model of legal representation for older foster children. Lawmakers are also concerned about foster children being held in inappropriate placements, such as hospitals, hotels, and out-of-state facilities.
The issues with Missouri’s foster care system have delayed the Senate confirmation of Gov. Mike Kehoe’s pick to lead the social services department, with State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman raising concerns about the agency’s failure to address chronic problems in the system. The Missouri Independent is actively covering these issues and the impact on Missourians.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
