Our Mission

The purpose of the 33rd Judicial Circuit Juvenile Office is to provide prevention, intervention and protection services to children, families and the community, while promoting collaborative partnerships with private and public entities in an ongoing effort to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Scott and Mississippi counties. 

The 33rd Circuit Juvenile Office’s values include:

  • Access to Justice
  • Due Process
  • Expedition and Timeliness
  • Equality, Fairness, and Integrity
  • Independence and Accountability
  • Public Trust and Confidence

Role of the Juvenile Office:  An office having only special jurisdiction dealing with children under the age of eighteen.  It is a division of the Circuit Court.  It is designed to provide protection, treatment and rehabilitation.  Children are not treated as criminals, but as persons needing care, education, protection and guidance. (see Chapter 211, RSMo.)

The Juvenile Office handles three types of cases: Status Offenses, Delinquency and Child Abuse & Neglect.

  • Status Offenses are offenses that are only offenses due to a person’s age. Examples of these offenses are: Runaway, Truancy, Beyond Parental Control and Behavior Injurious to Self or Others.
  • Delinquency offenses are violations of the criminal code of Missouri which are the same for adults. Examples of these offenses are: violent offenses, property offenses, drug offenses, sexual offenses, offenses against public order, etc.
  • Child Abuse & Neglect are offenses committed by a parent, guardian or custodian against their child. These offenses include the following: Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Neglect Improper Care & Supervision, Educational Neglect and Neglect – a child otherwise without proper care and custody. 

The primary emphasis of the 33rd Circuit Juvenile Office is to always act in the best interest of the child which is also the child welfare policy of the State of Missouri.

Locations:

Sikeston Office
805 N. Main
Sikeston, MO 63801
573-472-2554

Charleston Office
200 N. Main
Charleston, MO 63834
573-683-2146

Benton Office
131 S. Winchester
Benton, MO 63736
573-545-4241

How can we help?