MO SB530

Repeal and reenact section 211.447, RSMo, regarding grounds for termination of parental rights in juvenile court proceedings.

Add presumption that a parent is unfit if the birth mother tested positive for alcohol (over .08 blood alcohol content) or drugs within eight hours after child's birth and has at least one other child adjudicated as abused or neglected or failed to complete recommended treatment services.

Add presumption that a parent is unfit if child tested positive for alcohol or drugs at birth or within eight hours after birth and birth mother has another adjudicated abused or neglected child or failed to complete treatment services.

Add presumption that a parent is unfit if within three years prior to termination hearing the parent pled guilty to or was convicted of felony drug possession, distribution, or manufacture of cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine and is biological parent of at least one other adjudicated abused or neglected child or failed to complete treatment services.

Require juvenile officer or division to file termination petition or seek to be joined as party within 60 days of judicial determination establishing grounds for termination, though failure to meet deadline does not deprive court of jurisdiction.