MO HB1027

Juveniles detained for prostitution, sexual offenses, or repeat runaway status must be evaluated within 48 hours to determine if a third party enticed, exploited, or coerced them into committing the offense.

If third-party involvement is found, the juvenile officer must file a report within 48 hours, and the court must immediately release the juvenile from detention and transfer them to family services custody for protective placement.

If no third-party involvement is found, the juvenile officer must file a report within 48 hours and the court must hold a detention hearing within 24 hours, with the juvenile released unless the court finds good cause to continue detention.

Law enforcement investigating third-party involvement may question the juvenile as a victim, but information obtained cannot be used to prosecute the juvenile for the original offense.

The juvenile must be advised that statements made during victim interviews cannot be used against them in court and has the right to have a parent, guardian, or attorney present during questioning.