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Lawmakers learn about Juvenile Justice

Some lawmakers today (Monday) learned from Juvenile Justice officials, how the system works.

Christopher Shields reports from Jefferson City.

Legislators had a chance to learn about juvenile justice from those directly involved in it.

Lawmakers heard from a panel ranging from judges to a college law professor.

They stressed the system's strengths and weaknesses and asked legislators for their support.

House Speaker Cathrine Hanaway says the juvenile justice system will be a priority this session.

After the panel, lawmakers met in regional groups to discuss the issue.

SOC

Date:February 3, 2003

By: Christopher Shields

State Capital Bureau

Officials from Missouri's Juvenile Justice System addressed their concerns to lawmakers today (Monday).

Christopher Shields has the story from Jefferson City.

Juvenile judges, a law professor and a man who went through the juvenile justice system spoke to lawmakers.

In a session sponsored by the Missouri Supreme Court and the Missouri Juvenile Justice Association, lawmakers learned how the juvenile justice system functions.

But, with the State Auditor's report finding 70 percent of child abuse deaths occured even while child welfare services were in contact with families, Saint Louis City Representative Russ Carnahan says this meeting is a first step in improving the system.

Lawmakers also had a chance to meet in regional groups to discuss the issue.

SOC