Strengthening families through court-led, community-based approach in Missouri

Project background

Recognizing the need to shift from a reactive system to a proactive, coordinated system of family support, the Missouri Behavioral Health Council (MBHC), the Missouri Office of the State Court Administrator (OSCA), and their community partners are collaborating with us to implement the Upstream approach statewide. Working "upstream" means breaking down silos between behavioral health, juvenile court, child welfare agencies, and community partners and creating seamless pathways that connect families to resources, services, and support before they reach the courthouse doors.

Working toward statewide implementation

We're partnering with MBHC, OSCA, and local courts to coordinate and facilitate Upstream mapping workshops in all 46 judicial circuits in Missouri. Judges from each circuit invite 40-75 system professionals and community members for a 1.5-day collaborative workshop designed to: 

• Map existing resources, services, and supports available in the community.
• Identify barriers to accessing support and opportunities for improvement.
• Align goals and coordinate efforts.
• Develop action plans based on community-identified priorities.

Upstream inspires local action

Here's a snapshot of progress made during and/or after the mapping workshops:

• Eighth Circuit - Ray County Hospital is partnering with community leaders to deliver ongoing support that includes monthly meetings and trainings to strengthen local services.
• Cass County - Participants expressed interest in expanding the foster care action plan  statewide and examining at the related issue of truancy and its root causes.
• 42nd Circuit - Judges committed to starting a family treatment court in Wayne and Reynolds counties.
• 24th Circuit - A steering committee was established to assist the team launching the circuit's juvenile treatment court.
• 20th Circuit - The circuit is partnering with landlords to develop an educational program about rights and responsibilities for prospective tenants to promote positive landlord-tenant relationships and help ensure stable, secure housing for families.

Looking ahead

As of September 12, 2025, 31 of 46 circuits have completed Upstream mapping workshops. After all circuits have participated, we will help MBHC host a statewide Upstream summit where communities can share successes and learn from each other. Our ongoing support helps courts sustain this work and ensure every family has access to the support they need - before crisis becomes court involvement.