Our History

1983

A small group of children's advocates form Citizens for Missouri's Children to share information and hold state government accountable for the well being of Missouri's children.

1984-1989

CMC promotes state regulations on adoption and foster care; establishes the Children's Budget Coalition; promotes legislation to prevent out-of-home placement of children where possible; and forms the Children's Election Coalition and began publishing candidate surveys and voting records on children's issues.

1990-1999

CMC tracks out-of-home placements of Missouri children, spurring development of Family Preservation Services and fostering legislation recognized nationally as a best practice for its response to reports of child abuse and neglect. CMC also publishes the first comprehensive report on Missouri's child day care system; promotes creation of the Children's Health Insurance Program to insure children in families with income up to 300% of federal poverty level; and creates ELIOT, an online information resource for early learning.

1993

First Kids Count in Missouri report issued.

2000-2004

CMC secures and preserves gaming revenues to fund early care and education programs; successfully advocates founding of Governor's Youth Cabinet; and issues reports on access to mental health care and dental care that lead to legislation creating a comprehensive child mental health system and spark a state audit and legislation on children's dental care.

CMC also promotes legislation requiring background checks on unregulated childcare providers.

CMC leads the Campaign to Invest in Missouri Children that advocated for a portion of the Tobacco Settlement Funds to be earmarked for early learning and youth development programs.

CMC launches Missouri's #1 Question Campaign to secure funds for early learning, after-school programs and health care for children.

CMC works with a bipartisan group of legislators to secure passage of several landmark bills for children. Senate Bill 1003 sets up the basis for a comprehensive system of mental health services for children. This happens after a three-year campaign by CMC and other mental health advocates to focus attention on children whose parents could not afford treatment. The bill is the first of the legislative session to be signed by the Governor.

Another measure, House Bill 1453, will benefit more than 13,000 children by instituting extensive changes in the state's foster care system. CMC worked with members of the Legislature for two years to address the concerns of all who would be affected by the legislation and reach an acceptable compromise.

An organizational goal is realized when the Deaconess Foundation awards CMC the largest grant in its history to build organizational capacity and provide a sound foundation for the future. This funding allows CMC to relocate to larger office space in the City of St. Louis. The grant is also used for information system upgrades, resource development, and improved financial management systems.