By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri's chief justice today announced
a new commission, to recommend changes to the state child welfare system.
Chief Justice Stephen Limbaugh Junior says he's responding to what he calls a "crisis in juvenile justice."
In his annual State of the Judiciary address this morning, Limbaugh said the new panel will include people from the judicial, legislative and executive branches. He also announced a series of
court changes intended to improve state juvenile courts.
Missouri's child welfare system has come under criticism and scrutiny following the death last August of a two-year-old foster
child in Springfield. The boy's foster father has pleaded innocent to murder and abuse charges.
Governor Holden and the state Senate also launched reviews of the child welfare system.