We are Children's Division

BONUS: Farewell, Darrell Oct 18, 2024

All things must come to an end...and with that, what better way to send our host, Darrell, off to his next great adventure but a podcast? In this episode, Darrell shares his hopes for the future of Children's Division and reminds us of the 10 Directives. In true Darrell fashion, prepare yourself for heartfelt words, stories, and an emotional goodbye.

Conversations around Safe Sleep Oct 07, 2024

This month we met with Alison Jacobson, the current CEO of First Candle. As a SIDS mom, Alison knows the pain of losing an infant to a sleep-related death firsthand. Also joining us for this conversation was Haylee Musso and Misty Allen from our DSS team. While we cover trend data, experience and other great information, the whole podcast boils down to these two things:

No two families are the same, so there will never be a "one-size-fits-all" solution to safety
Having the courage to engage in a real conversation about safe sleep could save a life!

Learn more about First Candle: https://firstcandle.org/

Safe Haven Baby Boxes Sep 05, 2024

Listen in on a conversation with the Founder and current CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Monica Kelsey. Safe Haven Baby Boxes' (SHBB) mission is to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns through education, raising awareness of the safe haven law, and offering the only anonymous option, the Baby Box. Monica talks about how the organization got started, where the idea came from, and the impact of the boxes across the United States. Currently, Missouri has one box in Mehlville, MO, and several other Missouri communities trying to raise the appropriate funding to acquire a box.

Learn how you, a child welfare worker, can work with SHBB to continue keeping kids safe!

Program Improvement Plan (PIP) Aug 02, 2024

Ashton Kever hosts this episode with guests Julie Starr and JoDene Bogart. Learn all about the findings of the CFSR and how they are implemented in the Program Improvement Plan (PIP), how that plan is used to make improvements in practice, and a few actionable tips for you to start tweaking your work to better serve the children and families of Missouri.

BONUS: SOUND OF HOPE: The Story of Possum Trot Jun 17, 2024

The fight for children starts July 4, 2024.

In this bonus episode of the We Are Children's Division Podcast, our hosts are joined by Shasta Miller and Jessica Huckstep, the hosts of the Call to Foster Podcast, and Rebekah Weigel, Writer and Producer of "SOUND OF HOPE: The Story of Possum Trot". Hear from Rebekah about the writing process, the characters, and the true story of Possum Trot, Texas, as well as her experience as a foster parent and social worker. Rebekah has great advice and practical solutions that you need to hear. You don't want to miss this movie - get your tickets today!

Want more information about how you can host a private showing of this film? Learn more on the Angel Studios website.

A Successfully Reunified Parent Shares Her Story Jun 10, 2024

This month, Darrell and Ashton sit down with Crystal Wenger and Katie Murphy. Katie is a parent who successfully reunified with her children. In this episode, she shares her story of overcoming addiction and hard times in order to become the parent her children needed. You'll also hear from Crystal about what Children's Division is working on to create a supportive environment for more families to stay together and reunify.

Advice from the Older Youth May 10, 2024

Ana and "T" share a bit about their stories and the impact foster care has had on their lives. These young adults are passionate and articulate in sharing their advice to those working in the child welfare space. They also talk with Darrell and Rene Brinkman about Child Advocacy Day 2024.

Children's Division Prevention Team Apr 05, 2024

In this episode, you'll hear from the dedicated Primary Prevention Team at Children's Division. They discuss how they all got started with the division, where their interest sparked in prevention work, and what's going on now with the quickly growing and evolving world of prevention in the division.

Child Welfare As Seen on TV Mar 04, 2024

In this episode, Darrell and the Deputies react to the portrayal of Child Welfare/Social Workers in the movies! Listen along as they talk about the stereotypes and situations shown in King Richard, Lilo and Stitch, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Instant Family. If you haven't watched these movies, you can find the clips being referenced below. DISCLAIMER: We do not own the rights to the clips or movies being referenced. They are being used for demonstration purposes only.

King Richard: https://youtu.be/0BhApPQ0AxU?si=dOjr3o6wk3gUhSHB
Lilo and Stitch: https://youtu.be/f17jPzxwtNI?si=nj3EAX6-wbQyFRHu
Mrs. Doubtfire: https://youtu.be/5BjuZI0G-2I?si=6AkfJndOIzQ3PAGp
Instant Family: https://youtu.be/7-5kYQLJnFw?si=xYOFPuBHUkbI8hLW

2024 Legislative Session Feb 05, 2024

Listen along as Darrell has a conversation with Director Robert Knodell, CFO Pat Luebbering, and Legislative Director Ryan Conway. These four department leaders sit down to discuss what team members can expect this legislative season along with expressing their appreciation to team members for their continued work in empowering Missourians.

Department of Mental Health Services and Resources Jan 02, 2024

Darrell, Danielle, and Ashton speak with Rachel Jones from the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) in this episode. Hear what DMH does for families and how the work they do overlaps with Children's Division's work. Learn how you can get involved and enjoy Rachel's passion as she discusses her big dreams for the future of our work together.

Faith-Based and Community Partnerships Dec 01, 2023

Listen along as Darrell and Ashton have a conversation with Vickie Stoneberger and a couple of our partners at the Missouri Baptist Children's Home, David Burch and George Fulgham. These passionate gentlemen share how they got involved with charitable work and ministry, the ways they work with Children's Division to support the families and children in their area, and dream big for what connections with Children's Division could look like in the future. You can help be a catalyst in your community by recruiting local faith-based and community organizations in your circuit to partner with Children's Division!

National Adoption Month 2023 Nov 08, 2023

For National Adoption Month, Deputy Director of Permanency, Angie Swarnes, Vickie Stoneberger and Ashton Kever sit down with representatives from our Family Resource Centers. Lori Ross (FosterAdopt Connect), Heather Craig (Foster Adoptive Care Coalition), and Deanna Alonso (Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association) all share their personal stories with adoption, some information about their organizations and the ways they support the children and families in their areas. There is a lot of great perspectives and information shared during this episode, be sure to tune in!

Meet Regional Directors Phoelica McKenzie(St. Louis) and Brian West(KC) Oct 20, 2023

It's here! The last of the intro podcasts from this season. We are thrilled to be able to give you this opportunity to learn about the executive leadership team in the metro areas. Hear about how they came to CD, their regions, what their goals and vision are, and what keeps them invested in their work.

Meet Regional Directors Lisa Crawford (SW) and Pam Alston (SE) Oct 04, 2023

With a combined experience of over 50 years with DSS, Lisa and Pam share their passion for the wellbeing of Missouri's children and families. Learn how they got their start with Children's Division, where their passions have lead them, what their visions are for the future of their region, and why they come to work every day. Get to know these two passionate leaders in another bonus episode of the "We Are Children's Division" podcast!

Safe Sleep Month 2023 Oct 02, 2023

October is Safe Sleep Month! In 2021, of the 102 infants who died from non-medical causes, 81 percent were related to the infant’s sleep environment. Another way to look at it, is that we are losing one infant every four days to deaths that could have been easily prevented.
We sat down with Liz Tietsort and Haylee Musso and chatted about safe sleep trends in Missouri. Learn how we, as child welfare workers, can better support new parents and families and educate them on best practices.

A Conversation with Miss Black Missouri, USA, Eugenia Wallace Sep 05, 2023

Join us for this great conversation with Miss Black Missouri, USA, Eugenia Wallace, about her experience in the foster care system. She tells her story and shares how it has impacted her life and mission in adulthood. She is passionate about empowering foster youth to go to college and follow their dreams and helps them navigate the system. Eugenia has good advice for Children's Division and is very encouraging and stresses the positive impact our team members can make in the lives of children and families.

A Legislative Recap: Where Your Heart is, There Your Treasure Will Be Jul 31, 2023

In this episode, we catch up with DSS Director Robert Knodell and Division Director of Financial and Administrative Services Pat Luebbering about the outcome of the 2023 Legislative Session. It goes without saying that Children's Division has a lot of heart - these leaders tout that heart and determination and even discuss goals for the next legislative session.

Meet Regional Directors Chris Kimsey (NW) and Kyle Kendrick (NE) Jul 06, 2023

With a combined experience of over 52 years with DSS, Chris and Kyle share a wealth of passion and knowledge for the wellbeing of Missouri's children and families. Hear about how they got their start with Children's Division, where their passions have lead them, what their visions are for the future of their region, and why they come to work every day. Get to know these two passionate leaders in another bonus episode of the "We Are Children's Division" podcast!

Meet Tiffany Moore Deputy of Operation and Administration, Jun 08, 2023

Meet Tiffany Moore, CD Deputy Director of Operations and Administration. Tiffany has been with the division for over 19 years and worked in many different roles. She has a passion for keeping families safely together and supporting her fellow teammates.

Meet Deputy Director Danielle Corley May 15, 2023

Get to know Children's Division's Deputy Director of Prevention and Response, Danielle Corley. Listen as she talks about her career, interests, experience, vision, and passion for protecting Missouri's most vulnerable population.

National Foster Care Month May 01, 2023

For National Foster Care Month, Director Missey is joined by Lauren Masterson, CD's Foster Care expert, and the hosts of CD's other popular podcast, The Call to Foster, Shasta Miller and Jessica Huckstep. Prior to this recording, the team sat in on an interview with a foster parent in Missouri for The Call to Foster Podcast (episode to be released in May). The team reacts to their experience chatting with that foster parent, talks about the state of foster care in Missouri, and their vision for the future of foster care.

Child Abuse Prevention Month Apr 03, 2023

In this episode of the We are Children's Division podcast, Director Missey and Deputy Director Corley is joined by a group of passionate Children's Division team members to include Haylee Musso, Liz Teitsort, and Elaine Casteel. Also participating in this conversation is Denise Cross of the Missouri Coalition for Children. This team covers all things prevention from current fatality trends in the STAT report to the new culture and direction of the Missouri Children's Division which emphasizes prevention.

Meet Deputy Director Angie Swarnes, Permanency, and Child Advocacy Day Mar 24, 2023

In this episode, Darrell introduces Deputy Director of Permanency, Angie Swarnes. Learn about her career, her passion, and her experience at Child Advocacy Day. Angie is incredibly passionate and driven to make Missouri a better place for families and children in care. The passion and dedication in Angie's voice is undeniable.

Child and Family Services Review Mar 03, 2023

Join Director Missey in this episode of the We are Children's Division podcast, where he interviews Tony Scott from the Federal Children's Bureau, Dennis Alford, a Children's Bureau Contractor who focuses on the process work in the CFSR, and JoDene Bogart, the Missouri Children's Division's CFSR lead. Learn the ins and outs of the CFSR, the process, and how it impacts the work we do at Children's Division everyday.

2023 Legislative Session Feb 10, 2023

In Season 2 Episode 2 of the We Are CD podcast, Director Darrell Missey talks with Acting Director Knodell and Pat Luebbering about this year's legislative session, how its going, and the potential impact it could have on our overall mission as a division and department.

National Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month Jan 06, 2023

Join your hosts as they talk with Misty Allen and Agent Daniel Root of the FBI about human trafficking and what Children's Division is doing and can do to prevent it.

National Adoption Month Nov 01, 2022

In Episode 10 of the We Are CD podcast, Darrell and Teri talk with Vickie Stoneberger about Adoption. The team shares their personal connections to adoption and learns more about the services Missouri offers to adoptive parents and the process from start to finish. Vickie also discusses the process for case workers to place a child on valuable websites for adoption such as raisethefuture.org, moheartgallery.org, and adoptuskids.org.

Safe Sleep Month 2022 Oct 10, 2022

Join Children's Division Leadership, including Director Darrell Missey, Joan Rogers, Sara Smith, and special guests Misty Allen, Liz Tietsort, and Kara Wilcox as they discuss the ABC's to safe sleep and how we can all ensure that zero babies die from sleep related deaths. October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month - be sure to follow DSS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more tips on how to keep babies safe during sleep.

CCU 6 Month Check Sep 06, 2022

Bill Bott joins the CD leadership team to Check-in on progress that has been made since the launch of the CCU.

A Legislative Update Aug 15, 2022

Join Children's Division Leadership, including Director Darrell Missey, Teri Armistead, Joan Rogers, and Sara Smith as they discuss a legislative update with special guest Scott Montgomery.

Family First Prevention Services Act Jul 11, 2022

Join Children's Division Leadership, including Director Darrell Missey and Deputy Directors Teri Armistead, Joan Rogers, and Sara Smith, along with special guest Lauren Hall as they discuss and explain the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), and how it can help Missouri families.

Embracing the Probate Code Jun 06, 2022

Join Children's Division Leadership, including Director Darrell Missey, Teri Armistead, Joan Rogers, and Sara Smith as they discuss Director Missey's directive, 'Embracing the Probate Code'. Director Missey is currently traveling around the state talking with team members and presenting his vision for change, which includes his '10 directives'.

Relative & Kinship Care May 09, 2022

Join Children's Division Leadership, including Director Darrell Missey, Teri Armistead, Joan Rogers, and Sara Smith as they discuss Foster Care Month and more specifically, explore this year's national theme, "Relative and Kin Connections: Keeping Families Strong." Program Manager for Foster Care, Lauren Masterson is this month's guest host.

Growing Better Together - April is Child Abuse Prevention Month Apr 04, 2022

Join Children's Division Leadership, including Director Darrell Missey, Teri Armistead, Joan Rogers, and Sara Smith as they discuss all things Child Abuse Prevention Month with Haylee Musso from the State Technical Assistance Team and Liz Tietsort from the Prevention & Safety Unit. Along with the hosts, Haylee and Liz touch on what we can do to prevent child fatalities and crises by using our best practices in the field.

Streamlining & Retention Strategies Mar 10, 2022

Join Children’s Division Leadership, including Director Darrell Missey, Teri Armistead, Joanie Rogers, and Sara Smith as they continue the discussion surrounding the capacity crisis, and how the division is working to streamline retention efforts.

The Capacity Crisis Feb 09, 2022

Join Children's Division Leadership, including New Director Darrell Missey, Joan Rogers, and Sara Smith as they discuss how to resolve capacity issues within the division with Bill Bott from Change & Innovation Agency, which strives to help agencies "increase capacity so they can do more good."

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