Kehoe creates Missouri child welfare task force to set statewide safety standards
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Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order Tuesday creating a task force aimed at developing consistent child safety standards across the state.
Executive Order 26-17 establishes the Missouri Child Welfare Task Force, bringing together representatives from the Children’s Division, courts, law enforcement, lawmakers, private providers, attorneys and child welfare experts.
Kehoe said the goal is to make sure decisions involving child safety are based on the same standards regardless of where a child lives.
“The people doing this work deserve clear, consistent standards across every agency, courtroom, and community,” Kehoe said.
The task force will develop criteria for determining when a child is considered safe or unsafe and review state laws, regulations, Children’s Division policies and court rules for possible gaps or inconsistencies.
Members will also recommend statewide protocols, training and quality-control measures for caseworkers, judges, attorneys, juvenile officers and law enforcement.
The group must submit its recommendations by Nov. 15 ahead of the next Missouri General Assembly. It will dissolve Dec. 31.
