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MO Child Welfare Learning Institute Supervisor Academy

Supervisor Academy: The goal of this project is to develop and implement a structured, role-specific training and support program for supervisors within the Children’s Division. This program will equip supervisors with the leadership skills, tools, and knowledge necessary to effectively manage staff, support frontline operations, and carry out organizational initiatives. By strengthening supervisory capacity, we aim to improve staff support, enhance service delivery, and foster a more resilient and effective workforce.

Scope

Regional Older Youth Advancement of Life Skills (ROYALS) Unit Expansion

The ROYALS unit serves youth 16-20 years old, who do not have a goal of reunification, with intense life skills and exit planning case management.

Vision: To help youth make the transition to independence through services geared toward essential life skills development, meaningful adult relationships, youth empowerment, and community involvement. 

Risk Assessment

Missouri currently uses the Structured Decision Making (SDM) Risk Assessment as part of the SDM suite. It is best practice to revalidate risk assessments periodically to ensure they align with local populations, current practice expectations, family engagement best practices, and national guidance on risk identification and response. The current version is being revalidated to better inform next steps for case planning or service intensity, and update items to reflect Missouri’s current policies or the needs and characteristics of its population. 

House Bill 737 (HB737)

Historically, Children’s Division used the federal benefits of foster children (e.g., Social Security) toward the cost of their care. Section 210.560 RSMo was amended effective August 28, 2025, and prohibits the division from using those funds for the cost of children’s routine care and services. The law requires federal benefits to be conserved and used only for a child’s unmet needs.