MO HB360

Creates section 210.116 prohibiting denial of mental health care and treatment to any child who is or is suspected to be a victim of abuse and neglect, regardless of who has custody or control of the child.

Requires judges to appoint a guardian ad litem in all judicial proceedings involving abused or neglected children to represent the child or an incompetent parent.

Grants guardians ad litem access to all relevant reports, agency records, and family support team meetings, and authorizes judges to examine the background of appointees using the family care safety registry.

Allows courts to award reasonable fees to guardians ad litem as a judgment against parties found to have abused or neglected a child, payable from public funds or by the parties.

Requires all guardians ad litem to complete training in child abuse and neglect (satisfied by degree or significant experience in mental health profession) and permanency planning, with mandate to advocate for timely court hearings to achieve child permanency as expeditiously as possible.