MO SB973

Repeals and replaces section 37.710, RSMo, to expand the duties and authorities of the office of the child advocate

Grants the office authority to file amicus curiae briefs and pleadings necessary to intervene on behalf of children at the appropriate judicial level using resources of the attorney general's office

Authorizes the office to access names, physical locations, and records of children in protective services, treatment programs, and juvenile court proceedings across state and children's division, department of mental health, and juvenile court jurisdictions

Permits the office to establish local panels on a regional or county basis to carry out functions and address complaints timely, subject to appropriation

Establishes that the office is subject to the same confidentiality and disclosure restrictions as the state agencies providing information, and the same restrictions as the children's division for directly obtained information