SPONSOR: Cook
Currently, children are permitted to appeal any final judgment order, or decree made under the provisions of Chapter 211, RSMo. This bill specifies that juveniles, defined as persons under 21 years of age and under the authority of the juvenile court, may file such appeals and it adds orders or decrees made under Chapter 219 to that which may be appealed. The bill allows the Department of Social Services, Children's Division, and Division of Youth Services to file an appeal under the provisions of Chapter 211 or 219 in any case in which the Department or Division provides or is ordered to provide benefits, or services to the juvenile or has legal custody of the juvenile. The bill also allows certain individuals and entities to file for interlocutory appeal for purposes including, but not limited to, modification of placement or custody of the juvenile and an order or judgment denying a petition for termination of parental rights. Notice of interlocutory appeal must be filed within three days of entry of the order of the trial court. This bill amends the length of time to 30 days.
The bill specifies that a person under the age of 19 may be committed to the Division of Youth Services and the Division cannot keep any person in its custody beyond the person's 19th birthday. The bill replaces the term "child" with the term "youth".
Lastly, the bill allows a juvenile, defined as a person under the age of 21 who is under the jurisdiction or authority of the juvenile court; juvenile officer; or Division of Youth Services of the Department of Social Services to appeal an adverse order, decree, decision, or final judgment of a juvenile or family court.
Statutes affected: