MO HB443

Establishes a two-year pilot project beginning January 1, 2014, operated jointly by the Department of Corrections and Children's Division to increase access for children ages newborn to seventeen to incarcerated parents who retain parental rights.

Excludes individuals convicted of crimes against children listed in section 210.117 or child abuse under sections 210.109 to 210.183 from program participation.

Covers four prison facilities (two housing women, two housing men) and provides either monthly transportation for children and their caretaker to visit incarcerated parents or other means to increase visitation, with priority focus on children living fifty or more miles from the facility.

Requires the Department of Corrections and Department of Social Services to submit a joint report to the governor and general assembly by February 1, 2017, evaluating program effectiveness, costs, and recommendations for expansion to all prison facilities.

Funds the pilot project from existing appropriations or newly appropriated moneys, with funds divided equally between children visiting male and female parents.