Supreme Court of Missouri
en banc
January 23, 2003
In re: Commission on Children's Justice
This Court, in cooperation with the Governor and the General Assembly, hereby establishes a "Commission on Children's Justice," which is hereby created to develop a statewide comprehensive approach for improving the child welfare system. The commission shall coordinate the three branches of government in assessing the impact of government actions on children who are abused or neglected and recommend changes to improve children's safety, strengthen and support families and restore public trust and confidence in the child welfare system.
In undertaking its tasks, the commission shall review recent investigative reports to the Governor, the Senate Interim Committee to Improve Children's Protective Services and Foster Care; such other reports, studies and materials as the commission deems appropriate; review proposed legislation and submit recommendations for any necessary changes to this Court, the Governor, and the General Assembly.
The members of the commission include:
Julie Cole Agee, Executive Director, Missouri Juvenile Justice Association
Susan Block, Judge, 21st Judicial Circuit
Beth Dessem, Executive Director, Missouri Court Appointed Special Advocate Association
Pat Dougherty, State Senator, District 4
Bill Foster, State Senator, District 25
Thomas Frawley, Judge, 22nd Judicial Circuit
Catherine Hanaway, Speaker, Missouri House of Representatives
John C. Holstein, Springfield
Peter Kinder, President Pro Tempore, Missouri Senate
Patrick Lynn, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Governor
Frank L. Martin III, West Plains
Glenn Norton, Judge, Court of Appeals, Eastern District
John F. Payne, Family Court Commissioner, 16th Judicial Circuit
Nancy Rahmeyer, Judge, Court of Appeals, Southern District
Steve Renne, Acting Director, Department of Social Services
Roy L. Richter, Judge, 12th Judicial Circuit
Bryan P. Stevenson, State Representative, District 128
James E. Welsh, Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit
Yvonne S. Wilson, State Representative, District 42
One caseworker to be designated
The Honorable John C. Holstein is appointed chair of the committee.
The commission shall meet at such times and places as determined by the chair. The members shall be reimbursed their reasonable and necessary expenses from funds made available by the Office of State Courts Administrator or other government departments.
The commission shall have such staff as may be provided by the various members of the commission.
The commission shall submit an interim report to this Court, the Governor, and the General Assembly on or before March 28, 2003. As a part of this report, the commission shall propose a date for a final report.
Day - to - Day
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STEPHEN N. LIMBAUGH, JR.
Chief Justice