211.455. Procedure after filing of petition--determination of service--extension of time for service, when--investigation. - Missouri Statutes

Procedure after filing of petition--determination ofservice--extension of time for service, when--investigation.

211.455. 1. Within thirty days after the filing of thepetition, the juvenile officer shall meet with the court in orderto determine that all parties have been served with summons andto request that the court order the investigation and socialstudy.

2. If, at that time, all parties required to be served withsummons have not been served, the court, in its discretion, mayextend the time for service if the court finds that service maybe forthcoming and that the best interests of the child would beserved thereby.

3. The court shall order an investigation and social studyexcept in cases filed under section 211.444. The investigationand social study shall be made by the juvenile officer, the statedivision of family services or a public or private agencyauthorized or licensed to care for children or any othercompetent person, as directed by the court, and a written reportshall be made to the court to aid the court in determiningwhether the termination is in the best interests of the child.It shall include such matters as the parental background, thefitness and capacity of the parent to discharge parentalresponsibilities, the child's home, present adjustment, physical,emotional and mental condition, and such other facts as arepertinent to the determination. Parties and attorneys orguardians ad litem or volunteer advocates representing thembefore the court shall have access to the written report. Allordered evaluations and reports shall be made available to theparties and attorneys or guardians ad litem or volunteeradvocates representing them before the court at least fifteendays prior to any dispositional hearing.

(L. 1985 H.B. 366, et al.)