House Bill 1414 was passed by the Missouri General Assembly on Thursday, May 14, sending an omnibus package of child protections to Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s desk.
A news release says HB 1414 includes key priorities to protect children, including:
· Ensuring youth who are homeless have access to a birth certificate for free, have access to health coverage through Medicaid and can seek mental healthcare;
· Fixing a background check duplication issue for childcare providers and allowing for non-expiring childcare licenses;
· Creating temporary alternative placement agreements, a mechanism to provide services to parents and family placement to ensure safety of children who are not brought into foster care;
· Ensuring timely risk assessments within 72 hours of child abuse and neglect reports; and
· Guaranteeing protections for employees of child advocacy centers.
Advocates have had increasing concerns for children experiencing abuse and neglect, particularly with the various “stay-at-home” orders in place throughout the state and children having less access to mandated reporters, like teachers or childcare providers.
Many of the bill’s provisions also aim to help youth who are homeless in accessing vital healthcare and records.
Though there were some provisions of the bill that were omitted in the final version, advocates are hopeful that the new policies will help keep children safe and healthy.