The Children’s Services Fund (RSM0 Section 67.1775) was established nearly 30 years ago by Missouri Law. The law allows counties through a voter approved tax to establish a fund solely for the purpose of establishing a community children’s services fund for the purpose of providing services to protect the well-being and safety of children and youth nineteen years of age or less and to strengthen families.

Children today are facing unprecedented levels of anxiety partly due to increased use of technology and social media. Events like the pandemic have further intensified mental health challenges for them. Furthermore, one in five children in Jasper County lives in poverty. Children living in poverty often experience poor health, hunger, and instability.

All of these things contribute to higher rates of depression, stress and other mental health concerns, leading to problems such as substance abuse, suicide, violence, lower school attendance and graduation rates. Children are affected across all family types and backgrounds.

JasperCounty4Kids will expand access to vital prevention and intervention services. Investing in the well-being of our children will lead to thriving young adults who grow into productive community members.