New Standards Coming For Missouri’s Juvenile Officers

Recommendations for changes to Missouri’s juvenile officer system are expected to be presented today to a Legislative committee. Chairperson Bill Lant wants statewide standards for dealing with juveniles to avoid a federal challenge.

:21 “….lot of leeway.”

The Department of Justice could also challenge the authority of Missouri circuit court judges to hire, fire and oversee chief juvenile officers in their circuits. Lant says the challenges could result in fewer people reporting and prosecuting juvenile cases.