The purpose of this chapter is to facilitate the care, protection and discipline of children who come within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. This chapter shall be liberally construed, therefore, to the end that each child coming within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court shall receive such care, guidance and control as will conduce to the child's welfare and the best interests of the state, and that when such child is removed from the control of his parents the court shall secure for him care as nearly as possible equivalent to that which should have been given him by them. The child welfare policy of this state is what is in the best interests of the child.
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.011
Purpose of law — how construed
Applied in 1 court decision — leading case By and Through Her Next Friend and Guardian Ad Litem, Ellen Jervis v. Michelle McMullen (1999)
Most recently applied in By and Through Her Next Friend and Guardian Ad Litem, Ellen Jervis v. Michelle McMullen (September 1999)
Effective: 28 Aug 1995; (L. 1957 p. 642 § 211.010, A.L. 1995 H.B. 232 & 485 merged with S.B. 174)
Official source: Missouri Revisor of Statutes. Reproduced from public-domain Missouri statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.