To call the Child Abuse and
Neglect Hotline in
Missouri: 800-392-3738

To call the Child Abuse and
Neglect Hotline from an
out-of-state phone
number: 573-751-3448

Mailing address for OCA:
P.O. Box 809
Jefferson City, MO 65102

State Statute

The leaders of our state passed legislation in 2004 to strengthen our child welfare system in providing protection to our children/families by passing a child welfare reform bill (HB1453).  This statute further promotes the well-being of children/families by enhancing state child welfare services.  The statute can be found in the following locations:

• 37.700 - Definitions.
• 37.705 - Office established--appointment of child advocate.
• 37.710 - Access to information--authority of office--confidentiality of information.
• 37.715 - Complaint procedures--annual report, contents.
• 37.725 - Files may be disclosed at discretion of child advocate, exceptions--privileged information-- penalty for disclosure of confidential material.
• 37.730 - Immunity from liability, when.

Legislation was passed in 2011 to authorize OCA to coordinate mediation efforts between school districts and students when allegations of child abuse arise in a school setting (SB54). The statute can be found in the following location:

• 160.262 - Mediation.