13th Judicial Circuit of MissouriJJC Frequently Asked Questions

I'd like to have my child tour JJC so he could be "scared straight" and start acting better. When could I do that?

We are not allowed to give tours to parents and children. If your child is behaving badly and getting into trouble at school, for example, and he or she does not already have an assigned deputy juvenile officer, you may call the Juvenile Office (573) 886-4200 and ask to speak to the on-call officer, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (if you have an emergency situation, please call law enforcement). Explain your situation to the on-call officer. If the officer is not available, leave a message and he or she will return your call and will explain what services may be available to you through their office.
You may also go to the Juvenile Office, which is located in the Boone County Courthouse at 705 East Walnut Street and ask to speak with the on-call officer in person. If you reside in Callaway County, you will need to contact the Callaway County Juvenile Office located at 5 E 2nd St., Fulton, Missouri. The phone number is (573) 826-2844.

My child won't listen to a thing I say and runs away from home all the time. I want to put her in JJC so she'll understand she can't act this way.

Only children who have been ordered by the court are placed at the Robert L. Perry Juvenile Justice Center. If you are having problems with your child, you may follow the procedure outlined in the question above

I would like for my boyfriend (or girlfriend) to be on my child's visitation list. He (or she) has been my child's father (or mother) figure and my child has known him (or her) for practically his whole life. -or- My child is on the detention wing and I would like for her stepfather to be on her visitation list.

Significant others are not allowed to visit children placed at JJC. Only parties to the case are allowed to visit. Residents may also earn special contacts through the point and level system. If this is something you wish to discuss with a supervisor, please contact the Supervisor at (573) 886-4450.

My child is having a birthday soon and I want to bring in a birthday cake and presents. Is that alright?

Visitors are not allowed to bring food or presents into the facility for an individual resident. Our food service staff does prepare a birthday cake for each child (the child may choose among several kinds of cake), to share with other residents.

I'd like to bring in some money for my child, while they are at JJC.

Your child does not need money while at JJC. There are no items he or she could purchase.

I am the teacher of a resident at JJC and want to come by and visit them.

Only parents and some other family members, with permission, may visit a child at JJC. However, anyone may write to a child at JJC, but the letter must be sent through the US postal service and there can be nothing else in the envelope (send to "child's name," c/o Juvenile Justice Center, 5665 N. Roger I. Wilson Memorial Drive, Columbia MO 65202).

I would like for my child's grandmother (grandfather, aunt, uncle, close family friend, etc.) to be able to call and visit him or her. -or- My child's grandmother (or other person) is coming from out of town and my child hasn't seen her for a long time. I'd like for her to be able to visit.

Generally, this is not possible, but you may call and talk to the Supervisor at (573) 886-4450 about the situation.

My child just got picked up and taken to JJC (or sent to JJC from court) and I'm coming out for my first visit. What do I need to bring for him (or her)?

Please call to ensure your child is finished with his or her admission process, which takes about an hour. If your child is on detention status, there is nothing you need to bring, except for a change of clothes for the detention hearing, if you want to. Otherwise, everything is provided while your child is on the detention wing. However, if your child is on prescribed medication, you need to bring that immediately (even if you are not ready to have a first visit yet). If your child is on the program wing, you need to bring your child's prescribed medications immediately. You will also need to bring the following:

1. Three complete changes of clothing (shirt, pants, underwear, socks), tennis/athletic shoes, and a coat or jacket if the weather is cold: the clothing needs to fit well (no pants that fall down) and it should not be revealing, and clothing cannot have gang or drug symbols or other objectionable drawings/words on it;
2. all necessary personal hygiene supplies (deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.): they must be new and unopened, there can be no aerosol cans, and there can't be any product that contains alcohol; your child may have disposable razors and shaving cream—these are kept locked up except for shower time; and
3. stamps and envelopes, if your child is going to be writing letters while here;

I work during the scheduled visiting times. Is it possible for me to set up different visiting times?

If you are unable to make arrangements with your employer to adjust your work schedule, you may call and request special visitation times. Please call the Supervisor at (573) 886-4450 about this situation.

My child, who is in DYS custody, is at JJC. When is he going to be leaving there and where are they sending him?

We are holding your child for the Division of Youth Services, but DYS makes those decisions. You need to contact DYS at (573) 526-5434 and talk to your child's service coordinator. If you do not know the name of your child's service coordinator, talk to the person who answers the phone, and they will be able to help you.

I want our clergy person to be able to visit our child. How can I get him (or her) on the visiting list?

First, you will be forwarded to the Supervisor to discuss your request. Your child will be asked if he/she wants the clergy person to visit. If your child agrees, then staff will contact you and ask you to have the clergy person call (573) 886-4450 to set up a time to meet with your child. That will have to happen before each time the clergy person visits. Please note that the clergy person will be asked for identification on letterhead, or some other identifying paper, noting that he/she is currently employed in that capacity and is not retired. The clergy person may not be a relative of your child.