Governor Bob Holden has signed legislation reforming the state’s Child Welfare System. The effort to revise the laws was driven by the death of 2-year-old Dominic James of Willard in southwest Missouri. Many of the elements of this law have already been implemented through executive order. The legislation will see the Social Services Department improving the protection of children in the custody of the state. In addition, there will be increased funding for foster care. A similar effort to reform the system was approved by the Legislature, last year, but was vetoed by the Governor.
