HB 2103 -- Termination of Parental Rights

Sponsor:  Stevenson

This bill changes the laws regarding voluntary termination of
parental rights.  The bill:

(1)  Specifies that whenever a child is placed in a foster home,
a preference for placement with relatives will not apply if the
parent has consented in writing to the termination of his or her
parental rights;

(2)  Specifies that whenever a child is taken into custody by a
juvenile officer or law enforcement official and initially placed
with the Children's Division within the Department of Social
Services, the requirement for a family support team meeting will
not apply if the parent has consented in writing to the
termination of his or her parental rights;

(3)  Specifies that some juvenile court proceedings and cases
initiated by a juvenile officer or the division for the
termination of parental rights will have a closed hearing if the
parent has consented in writing to the termination of his or her
parental rights; and

(4)  Adds child placing agencies to the list of interested
parties who may petition the juvenile court to terminate parental
rights.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:45 am