CHILD WELFARE MANUAL

Section 2, Chapter 6 (Referrals to the Juvenile Court), Subsection 2 – Juvenile Court Jurisdiction

(Effective 04/15/19)

6.2. Juvenile Court Jurisdiction

Pursuant to Section 211.031, RSMo., the juvenile court may assume jurisdiction over any child under the age of eighteen who may be a resident of or found within the county in need of care and treatment for the following reasons:

  1. The parents, or other persons legally responsible for the care and support of the child neglect or refuse to provide proper support, education which is required by law, medical, surgical or other care necessary for his or her well-being.
  2. The child is otherwise without proper care, custody or support;
  3. The child was living in a room, building or other structure at the time such dwelling was found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a public nuisance pursuant to Section 573.105, RSMo.; or
  4. The child is in need of mental health services and the parent, guardian or custodian is unable to afford or access appropriate mental health treatment or care for the child.

The juvenile court also has the authority to assume jurisdiction due to delinquency or status offenses.  However, typically children are placed in the custody of the Children’s Division for the reasons listed above.