Children's Division

The Children’s Division delivers services to protect Missouri’s children and to provide them a safe and stable environment. A 24-hour hotline is available for the public to report alleged incidents of child abuse and neglect, and these reports are followed up on by state staff, often in coordination with law enforcement. Children in the custody of the state are placed in foster care homes or residential facilities. Children who cannot return home may be adopted or placed in a guardianship home. The division also administers the child care program and other abuse and neglect prevention programs.