Missouri lawmakers press child welfare leaders on foster care deaths, staff turnover

By: Steph Quinn

Outlets: Missouri Independent

Published: August 27, 2026

Words: 1,629

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 5 days ago

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A bipartisan group of Missouri lawmakers pressed Children’s Division Director Sara Smith on Wednesday to explain how the agency ensures children with elevated medical or behavioral needs get appropriate foster placements.

The questions came after what state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican and chair of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Government Accountability who called the hearing, described as “a number of fatalities” this summer involving children in the agency’s care.

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