Missouri is advancing child welfare reform as one of the first states to join the Trump-led A Home for Every Child initiative. Governor Mike Kehoe, along with the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division (DSS-CD), announced a commitment to ensure every child in the state has access to a safe and supportive home.
The initiative operates under the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and seeks to update the federal child welfare accountability system. The plan is intended to replace the traditional Program Improvement Plan (PIP), which has been criticized for its complex reporting requirements that limit staff time for direct support of children in care, according to the Governor's office.
Governor Mike Kehoe stated that by joining the Trump Administration's A Home for Every Child initiative, Missouri aims to strengthen its child welfare system, support foster families, and protect vulnerable children. The initiative also focuses on expanding the number of foster homes and providing preventive support to families to reduce the need for child placement.
During the signing of the Joint Proclamation with ACF Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams in Jefferson City, officials highlighted plans to improve placement stability, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance outcomes for children. Governor Kehoe and Assistant Secretary Adams formalized their agreement to pursue ongoing improvements in the state’s child welfare system, according to the governor’s office news release.
As part of a broader ACF effort, Missouri’s participation includes more frequent data reporting to support decision-making aimed at improving outcomes for children statewide. The initiative aligns with a national push to achieve a foster-home-to-child ratio greater than 1:1.
Missouri is partnering with federal and state agencies to implement new practices aimed at improving the child welfare system. DSS-CD Director Sara Smith described the initiative as a key part of ongoing efforts to expand the foster family network and increase support for caregivers, ensuring children are placed in safe and supportive homes as quickly as possible.
