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

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. 

Listen along as Darrell and Ashton have a conversation with Vickie Stoneberger and a couple of our partners at the Missouri Baptist Children's Home, David Burch and George Fulgham. These passionate gentlemen share how they got involved with charitable work and ministry, the ways they work with Children's Division to support the families and children in their area, and dream big for what connections with Children's Division could look like in the future. You can help be a catalyst in your community by recruiting local faith-based and community organizations in your circuit to partner with Children's Division! 

For National Adoption Month, Deputy Director of Permanency, Angie Swarnes, Vickie Stoneberger and Ashton Kever sit down with representatives from our Family Resource Centers. Lori Ross (FosterAdopt Connect), Heather Craig (Foster Adoptive Care Coalition), and Deanna Alonso (Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association) all share their personal stories with adoption, some information about their organizations and the ways they support the children and families in their areas. There is a lot of great perspectives and information shared during this episode, be sure to tune in!