Kierra : “Missouri Kids Crisis: Investigating the State of Child Welfare”

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – Officials in Missouri are sounding the alarm as the state grapples with a troubling increase in the number of children going missing while under its care. According to a recent report from Missouri’s child protection agency, a staggering 90 children were reported missing last month, sparking concerns among advocates about the safety and well-being of minors in state oversight.

Chief Investigative reporter Lauren Trager, of First Alert 4 Investigates, delved into the issue after a distressed mother, Kierra, reached out for help in locating her missing daughter. Kierra shared the heartbreaking story of her daughter’s struggles with mental health issues and risky behavior, which ultimately led to her being placed in the custody of the state.

Despite placing her trust in the state agency’s children’s division to protect her daughter, Kierra expressed dismay at the lack of proper, secure placement for her 16-year-old, who ran away multiple times under state care. The situation came to a head when Kierra found her daughter living in a vacant house after being missing for nearly two weeks.

State data reviewed by First Alert 4 Investigates revealed that 90 children were reported as runaways in May, with a significant number originating from the St. Louis region. Experts warn of the grave dangers faced by runaway children, with one in six at risk of becoming victims of sex trafficking.

State Senator Karla May was deeply moved by Kierra’s story and the alarming statistics, emphasising the urgent need for accountability in ensuring the safety of vulnerable children. Efforts to reach the Department of Social Services for comment were unsuccessful, but the department acknowledged the crisis and outlined measures to address the issue.

With concerns about staffing shortages and a lack of residential placements for teens with mental health issues, experts stress the need for swift action to protect missing children. Senator May and advocacy groups are pushing for solutions to prevent further harm to at-risk youth.

As the search for missing children continues, First Alert 4 remains committed to holding state leaders accountable and advocating for the safety and well-being of Missouri’s most vulnerable children.