Johnson County Juvenile Office
"Building strong families and capable children while ensuring justice in our community and community in our justice."
The child welfare policy of this state is what is in the best interest of the child.
About Us
The Johnson County Juvenile Office services 833 square miles of rural Missouri. We provide services and resources to at-risk youth within the county. Our programs include Educational Services, Diversion, Informal and Formal Services. These programs offer many resources, including online classes for Anger Management, Marijuana and Drug Prevention, and Conflict Resolution; separate in-person classes for Young Men and Young Women; referrals for mental health care; and Community Service. Click here for more information on the services and programs we offer. We are committed to building stronger families and capable children in Johnson County, Missouri.
Juvenile Referral
A referral is a written report or statement that alleges that a juvenile has committed an offense, which, if they were an adult, would be a crime. For delinquency cases, these referrals come from law enforcement, but can be generated from schools or the Parent Voluntary Statement.
When a referral is submitted, it should contain the following information: juvenile's name, date of birth, address, parent or guardian's name, reporter's name, and information explaining the allegations. In emergency situations, referrals can be submitted in verbal form, but must be submitted in writing as soon as possible and sent to the Juvenile Office.
Intake Process
Once a referral is received by the office, it is reviewed for legal sufficiency by an attorney within the office. If the referral is not legally sufficient, there is no action taken on that referral or a request for more information will be sent to the reporting party.
When there is no action taken on a referral, it is closed. If the referral has legal sufficiency, it is assigned to a Deputy Juvenile Officer.
For delinquency referrals, either a petition is filed for formal services, if the offense is of a serious nature and should be brought before the Juvenile Court Judge, or the Deputy Juvenile Officer contacts the family to offer Informal Services, if the offense is a status offense or a misdemeanor and should not be brought in front of the Juvenile Court Judge. For child abuse and neglect, a petition is filed and the Deputy Juvenile Officer assigned will contact the parents to inform them of their upcoming court date, which occurs within three business days.
Child Abuse and Neglect
Referrals are received from Children's Division, law enforcement or medical professionals. The Juvenile Office provides recommendations of services needed to the court for the parents and families after allegations of child abuse and neglect.
Educational Support Services
With 7 public school districts in Johnson County, Missouri, we are committed to the education of all students in the county. This program is designed as a Diversion program for families and children enrolled in kindergarten through sixth grade with excessive absences. The process is designed to help families ensure that children attend and receive an education.
Meet Our Team
Jenay Barker
Chief Juvenile Officer
660-422-7418
Kevin Ambrose
Chief Deputy Juvenile Officer
660-422-7418
Contact us
Location
101 W. Market St.
Warrensburg, MO 64093