We are Children's Division The Missouri Department of Social Services

This month, Darrell and Ashton sit down with Crystal Wenger and Katie Murphy. Katie is a parent who successfully reunified with her children. In this episode, she shares her story of overcoming addiction and hard times in order to become the parent her children needed. You'll also hear from Crystal about what Children's Division is working on to create a supportive environment for more families to stay together and reunify. 

 Ana and "T" share a bit about their stories and the impact foster care has had on their lives. These young adults are passionate and articulate in sharing their advice to those working in the child welfare space. They also talk with Darrell and Rene Brinkman about Child Advocacy Day 2024.  

In this episode, you'll hear from the dedicated Primary Prevention Team at Children's Division. They discuss how they all got started with the division, where their interest sparked in prevention work, and what's going on now with the quickly growing and evolving world of prevention in the division. 

In this episode, Darrell and the Deputies react to the portrayal of Child Welfare/Social Workers in the movies! Listen along as they talk about the stereotypes and situations shown in King Richard, Lilo and Stitch, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Instant Family. If you haven't watched these movies, you can find the clips being referenced below. DISCLAIMER: We do not own the rights to the clips or movies being referenced. They are being used for demonstration purposes only.  
King Richard: https://youtu.be/0BhApPQ0AxU?si=dOjr3o6wk3gUhSHB Lilo and Stitch: https://youtu.be/f17jPzxwtNI?si=nj3EAX6-wbQyFRHuMrs. Doubtfire: https://youtu.be/5BjuZI0G-2I?si=6AkfJndOIzQ3PAGpInstant Family: https://youtu.be/7-5kYQLJnFw?si=xYOFPuBHUkbI8hLW 

Listen along as Darrell has a conversation with Director Robert Knodell, CFO Pat Luebbering, and Legislative Director Ryan Conway. These four department leaders sit down to discuss what team members can expect this legislative season along with expressing their appreciation to team members for their continued work in empowering Missourians. 

Darrell, Danielle, and Ashton speak with Rachel Jones from the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) in this episode. Hear what DMH does for families and how the work they do overlaps with Children's Division's work. Learn how you can get involved and enjoy Rachel's passion as she discusses her big dreams for the future of our work together.