Abuse & Neglect

Overview

The Abuse and Neglect Unit is part of the Greene County Juvenile Court. It handles cases where children are referred by Missouri's Children's Division because of suspected abuse or neglect. The Abuse and Neglect Unit's main goal is to ensure that children grow up in a safe, nurturing, and permanent home, balancing child safety with family preservation when possible. Families should expect court hearings, involvement with caseworkers, compliance with treatment/behavior plans and possibly required services such as counseling or home visits ordered by court.

Who it serves

This program serves minors under 18 who are alleged victims of physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect. Cases are court involved: families are not voluntary participants in most abuse/neglect cases once a petition is filed.

Juveniles aged 18–21 that were in care may enter care by re-entry per Statute 211.036.

What happens step-by-step

1. Children's Division refers suspected abuse/neglect cases. An investigation is done involving law enforcement, a Children's Division Investigator, Deputy Juvenile Officer and possibly other community, medical or mental health providers.
2. If legal sufficiency is found regarding a petition: a child may be removed from the home temporarily, placed in foster or other care.
3. Court hearings occur after petition is filed as follows: Protective Custody Hearing (within 3 business days), a jurisdictional hearing (no later than 60 days), a dispositional hearing and periodic case reviews.
4. Efforts are made to reunify the child with family when safe. If case deems situation or home unsafe, other permanent placement is considered (guardianship, adoption).

Benefits & outcomes

The Unit protects children from ongoing harm by ensuring unsafe home environments are addressed. It supports the stabilization of family situations (through court ordered-treatment plans) where possible. This unit ensures legal oversight in child welfare: the court ensures that due process for both children and parents are followed in regards to applicable laws. This unit also helps ensure accountability from parents, guardians, or caretakers when children's safety is at risk.

Documents & applications

• Application for Legal Assistance (PDF)
• Request for Adoption Search (PDF) — needs ID copy
• Request for Juvenile Records (PDF) — needs ID copy
• Caregiver Court Information Form (PDF)
• Glossary of Terms for Abuse and Neglect Unit (PDF)

Contact

To learn more, call (417) 868-4008.

If you suspect child abuse and neglect, call the Missouri Hotline 1-800-392-3738.