Historically, Children’s Division used the federal benefits of foster children (e.g., Social Security) toward the cost of their care. Section 210.560 RSMo was amended effective August 28, 2025, and prohibits the division from using those funds for the cost of children’s routine care and services. The law requires federal benefits to be conserved and used only for a child’s unmet needs.
In Progress Tasks
March
- Developing procedures based on approved recommendations
Next Steps
April
- Quarterly KIDS account and ABLE account statements mailed
- Begin developing staff, stakeholder, and youth education
May
- Begin draft regulations
June
- Finalize policy and procedures for implementation
Completed Tasks
- 2026 - Quarter 1
January
- Quarterly KIDS account and ABLE account statements mailed
- Technology and cost analysis and plans continued
February
- Approval of system and technology changes completed
- Technology and cost analysis and plans completed
- 2025 - Quarter 4
October
- Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Accounts established and funded
November
- System assessment and recommendations received
December
- Technology analysis began
- Cost analysis plan under review
- 2025 - Quarter 3
July
- Legislation signed by the Governor
August
- Contract was awarded to Public Consulting Group, and policy updates were released
September
- Comprehensive System Assessment began - Public Consulting Group (PCG)
- Federal benefit conservation began