SCS/SB 858 - Under this act, the Children's Division may accept a report for a child abuse or neglect investigation or family assessment if the child or alleged perpetrator resides in Missouri, may be found in Missouri, or if the incident occurred in Missouri. The Division may also accept a report if the child has recently resided in Missouri, but is currently located in another state and the reported incident occurred outside of Missouri. The Division shall immediately communicate such reports, and relevant information, that merit investigation to the appropriate agencies in the state where the child is believed to be located. The Division shall be permitted to co-investigate a report of child abuse or neglect, as well as share records and information with child welfare, law enforcement, or judicial officers in Missouri or another state, territory, or nation when the Division determines it is appropriate to do so.
Currently, the Division may permit specified persons to have access to certain records for which the Division has received a report of child abuse or neglect and for which the Division has determined that there is insufficient evidence. This act removes the requirement that the Division make a determination that there is insufficient evidence prior to allowing specified individuals access to the records.
This act is similar to provisions in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/SB 819 (2018), HCS/SB 850 (2018), and HCB 11 (2018).
SARAH HASKINS