Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced a slate of 18 members appointed to the newly formed Missouri Child Welfare Task Force.
Established by Executive Order 26-17, the Missouri Child Welfare Task Force is charged with establishing a common framework grounded in objective assessments of safety threats, child vulnerability, and parental or caretaker protective capacity. The Task Force brings together representatives from the Department of Social Services Children’s Division, courts and juvenile offices, law enforcement, the General Assembly, private providers, attorneys, advocates, and child welfare experts—each with a critical role in protecting children.
"Every child in Missouri deserves the opportunity to grow up safe, supported, and surrounded by people who are committed to their success," said Governor Kehoe. "This task force brings together the right voices to take an honest look at the challenges facing our child welfare system and, with those in mind, develop meaningful solutions. Our goal is simple: better protect Missouri children, strengthen families, and give those on the front lines the tools they need to do their jobs well."
The Missouri Child Welfare Task Force includes the following members, as outlined in Executive Order 26‑17.
Representing the Missouri Department of Social Services:
Teri Armistead is the director of the Division of Legal Services for the Missouri Department of Social Services.
Sara Smith is the Children’s Division director for the Missouri Department of Social Services.
Representing the judicial branch administrative offices, including the Office of State Courts Administrator:
Kathy Lloyd is the Missouri State Courts Administrator.
Representing the Missouri state legislature:
Senator Jill Carter serves as the Missouri State Senator for District 32.
Representative Ken Jamison serves as the Missouri State Representative for District 15.
Representative Melissa Schmidt serves as the Missouri State Representative for District 141.
Representing juvenile officers and juvenile court administration:
Rick Gaines is the chief juvenile officer for the St. Louis County 21st Judicial Circuit.
Bill Prince serves as the chief juvenile officer and family court administrator for the 31st Judicial Circuit in Greene County.
Representing state and local law enforcement agencies:
Matthew Stewart serves as the sheriff of Newton County.
Representing private child welfare agencies and foster care case management providers:
Jeannette Koster is the director of psychosocial and foster care at Crittenton Children’s Center – St. Luke’s Hospital.
Justin Horton is the chief programs and innovation officer for Cornerstones of Care.
Representing legal representatives, including guardians ad litem and juvenile court attorneys:
Judge Melissa Buckman Young serves as the the associate circuit judge for Audrain County in Missouri’s 12th Judicial Circuit.
Tamara Veit is an attorney with McElligott, Ewan & Hall, PC, and serves as a guardian ad litem.
Representing child welfare advocacy organizations:
Jessica Seitz is the executive director of the Missouri Network Against Child Abuse.
Emily van Schenkhof is the executive director of the Children’s Trust Fund of Missouri.
Additional members designated by the Governor:
Judge Joseph Hensley serves as a judge for the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District.
Judge Jessica Kruse serves as a circuit judge for the 38th Judicial Circuit in Christian County.
Shelby Trimble is a school counselor and at‑risk coordinator in the Joplin School District. She also serves as director of Camp Soroptimist and works with the Children’s Division in the Joplin area.
For more information about the task force, its members, and future meetings, visit Missouri Child Welfare Task Force | Missouri Depçartment of Social Services.
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