Missouri Revised Statutes

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031 (2026)

Juvenile court to have exclusive jurisdiction, when

✓ current as of May 2026

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211.031. Juvenile court to have exclusive jurisdiction, when — exceptions — home school or FPE school, attendance violations, how treated. — 1. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the juvenile court or the family court in circuits that have a family court as provided in chapter 487 shall have exclusive original jurisdiction in proceedings:

(1) Involving any child who may be a resident of or found within the county and who is alleged to be in need of care and treatment because:

(a) The parents, or other persons legally responsible for the care and support of the child, neglect or refuse to provide proper support, education which is required by law, medical, surgical or other care necessary for his or her well-being; except that reliance by a parent, guardian or custodian upon remedial treatment other than medical or surgical treatment for a child shall not be construed as neglect when the treatment is recognized or permitted pursuant to the laws of this state;

(b) The child is otherwise without proper care, custody or support;

(c) The child was living in a room, building or other structure at the time such dwelling was found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a public nuisance pursuant to section 195.130^*; or

(d) The child is in need of mental health services and the parent, guardian or custodian is unable to afford or access appropriate mental health treatment or care for the child;

(2) Involving any child who may be a resident of or found within the county and who is alleged to be in need of care and treatment because:

(a) The child while subject to compulsory school attendance is repeatedly and without justification absent from school;

(b) The child disobeys the reasonable and lawful directions of his or her parents or other custodian and is beyond their control;

(d) The behavior or associations of the child are otherwise injurious to his or her welfare or to the welfare of others; or

(e) The child is charged with an offense not classified as criminal, or with an offense applicable only to children; except that, the juvenile court shall not have jurisdiction over any child fifteen years of age who is alleged to have violated a state or municipal traffic ordinance or regulation, the violation of which does not constitute a felony, or any child who is alleged to have violated a state or municipal ordinance or regulation prohibiting possession or use of any tobacco product;

(3) Involving any child who is alleged to have violated a state law or municipal ordinance, or any person who is alleged to have violated a state law or municipal ordinance prior to attaining the age of eighteen years, in which cases jurisdiction may be taken by the court of the circuit in which the violation is alleged to have occurred, except as provided in subsection 2 of this section; except that, the juvenile court shall not have jurisdiction over any child fifteen years of age who is alleged to have violated a state or municipal traffic ordinance or regulation, the violation of which does not constitute a felony, and except that the juvenile court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the municipal court over any child who is alleged to have violated a municipal curfew ordinance, and except that the juvenile court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit court on any child who is alleged to have violated a state or municipal ordinance or regulation prohibiting possession or use of any tobacco product;

(4) For the adoption of a person;

(5) For the commitment of a child to the guardianship of the department of social services as provided by law;

(6) Involving an order of protection pursuant to chapter 455 when the respondent is less than eighteen years of age; and

(7) Involving a child who has been a victim of sex trafficking or sexual exploitation.

2. Transfer of a matter, proceeding, jurisdiction or supervision for a child who resides in a county of this state shall be made as follows:

(1) Prior to the filing of a petition and upon request of any party or at the discretion of the juvenile officer, the matter in the interest of a child may be transferred by the juvenile officer, with the prior consent of the juvenile officer of the receiving court, to the county of the child's residence or the residence of the person eighteen years of age for future action;

(2) Upon the motion of any party or on its own motion prior to final disposition on the pending matter, the court in which a proceeding is commenced may transfer the proceeding of a child to the court located in the county of the child's residence, or the county in which the offense pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection 1 of this section is alleged to have occurred for further action;

(3) Upon motion of any party or on its own motion, the court in which jurisdiction has been taken pursuant to subsection 1 of this section may at any time thereafter transfer jurisdiction of a child to the court located in the county of the child's residence for further action with the prior consent of the receiving court;

(4) Upon motion of any party or upon its own motion at any time following a judgment of disposition or treatment pursuant to section 211.181, the court having jurisdiction of the cause may place the child under the supervision of another juvenile court within or without the state pursuant to section 210.570 with the consent of the receiving court;

(5) Upon motion of any child or his or her parent, the court having jurisdiction shall grant one change of judge pursuant to Missouri supreme court rules;

(6) Upon the transfer of any matter, proceeding, jurisdiction or supervision of a child, certified copies of all legal and social documents and records pertaining to the case on file with the clerk of the transferring juvenile court shall accompany the transfer.

3. In any proceeding involving any child taken into custody in a county other than the county of the child's residence, the juvenile court of the county of the child's residence shall be notified of such taking into custody within seventy-two hours.

4. When an investigation by a juvenile officer pursuant to this section reveals that the only basis for action involves an alleged violation of section 167.031 involving a child who alleges to be receiving instruction at a home school or an FPE school, the juvenile officer shall contact a parent or parents of such child to verify that the child is receiving instruction at such school and not in violation of section 167.031 before making a report of such a violation. Any report of a violation of section 167.031 made by a juvenile officer regarding a child who is receiving instruction at a home school or an FPE school shall be made to the prosecuting attorney of the county where the child legally resides.

5. The disability or disease of a parent shall not constitute a basis for a determination that a child is a child in need of care or for the removal of custody of a child from the parent without a specific showing that there is a causal relation between the disability or disease and harm to the child.

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(L. 1957 p. 642 § 211.030, A.L. 1976 S.B. 511, A.L. 1980 S.B. 512, A.L. 1983 S.B. 368, A.L. 1989 H.B. 502, et al., A.L. 1990 H.B. 1030, A.L. 1991 H.B. 202 & 364, A.L. 1993 H.B. 346, A.L. 1999 S.B. 1, et al., A.L. 2002 S.B. 923, et al., A.L. 2004 H.B. 1453 merged with S.B. 945 and S.B. 803 & 1257 merged with S.B. 1211, A.L. 2005 H.B. 353, A.L. 2011 H.B. 555 merged with H.B. 604 merged with H.B. 648 merged with S.B. 320, A.L. 2012 H.B. 1171 merged with S.B. 628 merged with S.B. 636, A.L. 2016 H.B. 1877, A.L. 2018 S.B. 793 merged with S.B. 800, A.L. 2022 S.B. 775, et al., A.L. 2024 S.B. 727 merged with S.B. 754, et al.)

*Section 195.130 was transferred to section 579.105 by S.B. 491, 2014, and H.B. 1371, 2014, effective 1-01-17.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 362 cases (27 in the last 5 years), 1958–2025 · leading case: Matter of Trapp, 593 S.W.2d 193 (Mo. 1980).

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Matter of Trapp, 593 S.W.2d 193 (Mo. 1980). · cites it 37× “This appeal presents three questions: (1) did the trial court have jurisdiction under § 211.031, RSMo 1978 to enter the custody order of January 2, 1973, and the support order of February 27, 1973; (2) are the statutory provisions on which the juvenile court's action in entering…”

State Ex Rel. Dubinsky v. Weinstein, 413 S.W.2d 178 (Mo. 1967). · cites it 28× “Louis County and that she was within the applicable provisions of Section 211.031 [1] in that she "is without proper care, custody and treatment in accordance with a written report contained in the court records.”

Juv. Officer v. R.O. (In re Z.N.O.), 566 S.W.3d 609 (Mo. Ct. App. 2018). · cites it 22× “An order for temporary protective custody shall only be entered upon: (1) the filing of a petition or motion to modify; and (2) a determination by the court that probable cause exists to believe that: (A) the facts specified in the petition or motion to modify bring the juvenile…”

State v. Andrews, 329 S.W.3d 369 (Mo. 2011). · cites it 8× “Because Andrews was a minor, the juvenile justice system had exclusive original jurisdiction over him pursuant to § 211.031, RSMo Supp.2007. [1] On December 26, 2007, a judgment that included findings of fact and conclusions of law was entered certifying Andrews to be prosecuted…”

In the Interest of Dimmitt, 560 S.W.2d 368 (Mo. Ct. App. 1977). · cites it 15× “Although amended by Laws 1976, Section 211.031(l)(a), RSMo 1969, in effect at the time the instant proceeding was initiated and heard, provided so far as here pertinent, as follows: “211.”

In the Interest of D.C.M., a Minor v. Pemiscot Cnty. Juv. Off., 578 S.W.3d 776 (Mo. 2019). · cites it 3× “02 ("In any proceeding under subsection 1 of section 211.031, RSMo, the court shall appoint counsel for the juvenile when necessary to assure a full and fair hearing.”

In the Interest of D.L.D., 701 S.W.2d 152 (Mo. Ct. App. 1985). · cites it 11× “The child, a boy, born on January 14, 1981, was taken into custody three months after birth by reason of the juvenile officer’s petition and the court’s finding that the child was neglected and within the juvenile court’s jurisdiction under § 211.031, RSMo Supp.1984 (unless…”

Doyen v. M_ M. S, 677 S.W.2d 396 (Mo. Ct. App. 1984). · cites it 16× “821, the Juvenile Court found that D came “within the provisions of Section 211.031 RSMO.” Specifically, the court found: “Neither the natural father nor the natural mother can provide the child *398 named above with proper care, custody, or support.”

In Re Marriage of Denton, 169 S.W.3d 604 (Mo. Ct. App. 2005). · cites it 7× “Once a juvenile court assumes jurisdiction over a child pursuant to § 211.031, the court is authorized to order a parent to contribute to the child’s support.”

Juv. Officer of St. Louis Cnty. v. M.W., 394 S.W.3d 457 (Mo. Ct. App. 2013). · cites it 5× “Following a hearing on April 18, 2010, the court found the allegations in the petitions to be true, took jurisdiction over the children pursuant to section 211.031, placed legal custody of the children with the Children’s Division, and continued physical custody of the children…”

In Interest of M-----K-----P, 616 S.W.2d 72 (Mo. Ct. App. 1981). · cites it 8× “A reading of the petition dispels appellants’ argument in that the language of the petition also encompasses the language of § 211.031, RSMo 1978. The pertinent language of the petition reads: “.”

In Interest of WFJ, 648 S.W.2d 210 (Mo. Ct. App. 1983). · cites it 5× “The form of proceedings suggests the original assumption of jurisdiction over the children was pursuant to § 211.031, subd. l(l)(a). 2 The action to terminate parental rights was commenced November 6, 1981.”

Show all 362 citing cases →

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(1) — 16 cases

Ayres v. Long, 513 S.W.2d 731 (Mo. Ct. App. 1974).

In Re Interest of J. D. G., 498 S.W.2d 786 (Mo. 1973).

In the Interest of S. K. L. v. Smith, 480 S.W.2d 119 (Mo. Ct. App. 1972).

Walsh v. Oehlert, 508 S.W.2d 222 (Mo. Ct. App. 1974).

State v. Arbeiter, 449 S.W.2d 627 (Mo. 1970).

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(1)(a) — 1 case

In Interest of ES, 851 S.W.2d 676 (Mo. Ct. App. 1993).

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(1)(b) — 2 cases

State Ex Rel. Catholic Charities of St. Louis v. Hoester, 494 S.W.2d 70 (Mo. 1973).

In Interest of ES, 851 S.W.2d 676 (Mo. Ct. App. 1993).

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(1)(c) — 4 cases

Matter of Trapp, 593 S.W.2d 193 (Mo. 1980). “This appeal presents three questions: (1) did the trial court have jurisdiction under § 211.031, RSMo 1978 to enter the custody order of January 2, 1973, and the support order of February 27, 1973; (2) are the statutory provisions on which the juvenile court's action in entering…”

Doyen v. M_ M. S, 677 S.W.2d 396 (Mo. Ct. App. 1984). “821, the Juvenile Court found that D came “within the provisions of Section 211.031 RSMO.” Specifically, the court found: “Neither the natural father nor the natural mother can provide the child *398 named above with proper care, custody, or support.”

In Re Interest of J. D. G., 498 S.W.2d 786 (Mo. 1973).

In Re M----k, 493 S.W.2d 686 (Mo. Ct. App. 1973).

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(1)(d) — 2 cases

In Re M----k, 493 S.W.2d 686 (Mo. Ct. App. 1973).

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(2) — 3 cases

Richardson v. State, 555 S.W.2d 83 (Mo. Ct. App. 1977).

In the Interest of J. L. P., 600 S.W.2d 47 (Mo. Ct. App. 1980).

Brown v. Baldwin, 356 F. Supp. 831 (E.D. Mo. 1973).

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(2)(b) — 2 cases

In the Interest of D.W.P., 110 S.W.3d 863 (Mo. Ct. App. 2003).

In Re Dwp, 110 S.W.3d 863 (Mo. Ct. App. 2003).

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(2)(d) — 3 cases

In the Interest of M.J.S. v. K.E.S., 724 S.W.2d 318 (Mo. Ct. App. 1987).

In Interest of ES, 851 S.W.2d 676 (Mo. Ct. App. 1993).

R.S. v. Juv. Off. of Cole Cnty., 851 S.W.2d 676 (Mo. Ct. App. 1993).

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(3) — 4 cases

In the Interest of C.L.B. v. Juv. Officer, 22 S.W.3d 233 (Mo. Ct. App. 2000).

Scott v. State, 691 S.W.2d 291 (Mo. Ct. App. 1985).

State ex rel. Kinsky v. Weber, 55 S.W.3d 422 (Mo. Ct. App. 2001).

In the Interest of V.H., 655 S.W.2d 833 (Mo. Ct. App. 1983).

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(l)(a) — 5 cases

In the Interest of Dimmitt, 560 S.W.2d 368 (Mo. Ct. App. 1977). “Although amended by Laws 1976, Section 211.031(l)(a), RSMo 1969, in effect at the time the instant proceeding was initiated and heard, provided so far as here pertinent, as follows: “211.”

In Interest of LAH, 622 S.W.2d 319 (Mo. Ct. App. 1981).

In re the Interest of A.H., 689 S.W.2d 771 (Mo. Ct. App. 1985).

R.S. v. Juv. Off. of Cole Cnty., 851 S.W.2d 676 (Mo. Ct. App. 1993).

In the Interest of P. J. M., 536 S.W.2d 519 (Mo. Ct. App. 1976).

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(l)(b) — 1 case

R.S. v. Juv. Off. of Cole Cnty., 851 S.W.2d 676 (Mo. Ct. App. 1993).

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(l)(c) — 3 cases

In the Interest of R. R. P., 545 S.W.2d 351 (Mo. Ct. App. 1976).

In the Interest of J. J., 552 S.W.2d 736 (Mo. Ct. App. 1977).

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(l)(d) — 1 case

In the Interest of R. L. P., 536 S.W.2d 41 (Mo. Ct. App. 1976).

— Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.031(l)(e) — 1 case

In the Interest of R. R. P., 545 S.W.2d 351 (Mo. Ct. App. 1976).

Annotations are extracted automatically from the opinions in the Syfert caselaw corpus and ranked by authority, recency, and treatment. Dots show Syfertize treatment of the citing case itself.