Bill > HB573

This bill modifies provisions related to termination of parental rights proceedings by extending the timeframe for initial court meetings from thirty to sixty days and changing the terminology from "juvenile officer" to "petitioner" in key sections. The bill requires that within sixty days of filing a petition, the petitioner must meet with the court to ensure all parties have been served and request an investigation and social study. The court maintains discretion to extend service time if it believes the child's best interests are served. The investigation must include details about parental background, parental fitness, the child's home environment, and other relevant facts, and must be completed by a juvenile officer, children's division, authorized agency, or other competent person. The bill also mandates that all investigation reports be made available to parties and their representatives at least fifteen days before any dispositional hearing. Additionally, the bill preserves immunity for individuals participating in good faith in child welfare investigations and clarifies that most privileged communications (except those between priests/ministers and parishioners, and attorneys and clients) can be used as evidence in parental rights termination proceedings.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB573&year=2025&code=R