Missouri Dealing With Foster Care Crisis During Pandemic

Concerns have been raised since the beginning of the ongoing pandemic on the impact it will have on mental health. As Missouri deals with that crisis, the state has another one on its hands following a scathing report earlier this year from the U.S. Department of Health and Senior Services on how Missouri has addressed children missing from foster care. Representative Peggy McGaugh addresses some of the findings.

McGaugh is a member of the Missouri House Subcommittee on Appropriations of Health, Mental Health, and Social Services. During a recent meeting, the committee heard testimony from the Family First Prevention Services which addresses many needs of foster children. McGaugh says there needs to be more help given to these overstressed programs.

McGaugh intends to work with these organizations to help address the needs of foster children through legislation in the upcoming legislative session.