JUVENILE OFFICE

Ed Hoover, Chief Juvenile Officer

Audrain County Courthouse, Room 303
101 N. Jefferson St.
Mexico, Missouri 65265

Phone: 573-473-5880

Email the Juvenile Office

The 12th Judicial Circuit of Missouri comprises Audrain, Montgomery, and Warren Counties. The Juvenile Officer and Deputies provide supervision and discipline for children who come within Chapter 211. of the Missouri Revised Statutes. The Presiding Circuit Judge appoints the positions, and all professional staff possesses college degrees. The Chief Juvenile Official supervises all three counties, and Deputy Juvenile Officers and secretarial staff are assigned to each. Juvenile Officers are available 24 hours a day to assist with emergencies.

The Juvenile Division is a branch of the Circuit Court. The laws are broadly written to ensure that various dispositions can be provided for children from birth to age 17. The Court retains jurisdiction for youth to age 21 years if necessary. Juvenile Officers assist social service agencies, law enforcement, schools, and the general public in dealing with child abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, delinquency, and status offenses by children. Investigations, counseling, referrals, probation services, and court work are daily tasks. Juvenile Court hearings and information remain under general confidentiality provisions except for felony cases.

The Juvenile Officer assists with victim restitution from juveniles and community service programs for offenders. Electronic monitoring, secure detention, residential placement, and probation supervision are provided to youth referred to the Juvenile Court for delinquency and status offenses. Foster care is coordinated through the Missouri Children's Division for youth in need due to homelessness, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and neglect.