Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Charges Child Care Task Force to Assess Progress on Foster Care Reform
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today requested that the Missouri Task Force on Children's Justice review Missouri's progress on "The Dominic James Memorial Foster Care Reform Act of 2004" and provide recommendations for areas of improvement by the end of September.
"The tragic event that led to this reform legislation is a reminder that we must be vigilant in the ongoing reform of our foster care system," Blunt wrote in a letter to the task force. "The expertise of the members on this task force will provide for a thorough review and thoughtful recommendations."
Missouri has taken major steps to improve its child welfare system. In the past year, child welfare court hearings were held more timely at least 92 percent of the time, accreditation is proceeding successfully and the increased standards for background checks for all foster parent household members over the age of 17 are in place.
Since it has been three years since the General Assembly passed "The Dominic James Memorial Foster Care Reform Act of 2004," the governor called on the task force to review and report on Missouri's progress to ensure we are continuing to provide Missouri's children with quality care and treatment.
The Missouri Task Force on Children's Justice was created under federal statute and was put into action in Missouri in 1994. The Task Force is made of members with knowledge of the criminal justice system, issues of child abuse, neglect and maltreatment. The members are appointed by the Director of Department of Social Services after consultation with the Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court. Members serve for a 4 year term with a limit of 3 terms. Currently there are 21 members. Senator Bill Foster and Judge Thea Sherry co-chair the task force.
Letter to Members of the Missouri Task Force on Children's Justice