Juvenile Office Juvenile Office

The mission of the New Madrid County Juvenile Office is to safeguard children and promote the overall well-being of the community by intervening when the safety or welfare of children and families are at risk. This mission is carried out through due process with local law enforcement agencies, school districts, and the Missouri Children’s Division, which provide initial referrals involving allegations of child abuse or neglect and matters of juvenile delinquency. The Juvenile Office maintains a Juvenile Officer on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure timely responses to emergency situations involving juveniles. Upon the receipt of a report, Juvenile Officers act in full compliance with the Missouri Juvenile Code to conduct initial case intake, assess risk and needs, and ensure appropriate case processing. Juvenile Officers make informed recommendations to the Court regarding detention decisions, custody arrangements, and dispositional hearings, always prioritizing the best interests of the child and public safety. Lastly, Juvenile Officers work diligently to ensure that all cases are managed with the highest standards of legal accuracy, professionalism, and ethical integrity.