FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2021

Department of Social Services invites public comment and provides more information on implementation of HB 557

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — The Department of Social Services is asking the public and stakeholders for comments and suggestions regarding the implementation of HB 557, which became law on July 14, 2021. HB 557 helps protect children at child placing agencies, licensed residential care facilities, and license-exempt residential care facilities that provide 24-hour care to children such as religious-based institutions, institutions run by the state or county, or boarding schools.

The Department of Social Services has additional information online and is soliciting informal, comments and suggestions from the public and interested stakeholders on the draft regulations regarding House Bill (HB) 557 before they are formally published.

Informal, written comments and suggestions regarding the new regulations can be e-mailed to dss.directorsoffice@dss.mo.gov or mailed to Children’s Division, Attn. HB557 Informal Comments, P.O. Box 88, Jefferson City, MO 65103. All comments must indicate the specific regulation it references. All comments must be received by 5:00 p.m., August 6, 2021.

A virtual public meeting to respond to questions and comments about the draft regulations will be held 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., Thursday, August 5. The public has until 5:00 p.m. on August 3, 2021 to submit a question or comment for response during the virtual public meeting, email it to dss.directorsoffice@dss.mo.gov. To participate in the meeting, click on “Join WebEx Meeting” and follow instructions, providing the meeting number (access code): 177 802 6321 and meeting password: HB557. Visit the DSS website for more information, or to complete the HB 557 proposed regulation fiscal impact online survey as a small business.

The mission of the Department of Social Services is to empower Missourians to live safe, healthy, and productive lives.

###