Abuse & Neglect Unit

Deputy Juvenile Officers (DJOs) assigned to the child abuse/neglect unit are responsible for the oversight of cases where the juvenile court judge takes jurisdiction due to an abuse and/or neglect allegation being found true.  The DJO is responsible for ensuring the parents are served with a copy of the petition. The DJO ensures all parties are informed of court hearings. If the judge finds the allegation(s) true, DJOs ensure compliance with juvenile court orders, participate in family support team meetings, conduct urinalysis testing when ordered by the Juvenile Court Judge, assist in locating family members of the child for whom protective custody is requested and for children in protective custody, conduct paternity testing as needed, conduct home visits to ensure the child is safe, and monitor compliance with time standards mandated by Missouri law. DJOs review goals and objectives set forth in written service agreements to ensure the goals are measurable. 
The DJO is responsible for reviewing the criminal history for involved parties and being a liaison between the juvenile court and the family support team.
DJOs cannot investigate allegations involving child abuse/neglect.

Child Abuse Hotline - 800-392-3738 (in MO) or 573-751-3448