Nixa Police Department Responds to Concerns

The Nixa Police Department recently responded via Facebook to concerns about the safety of a child.

The full post is below:

On 06/06/2024 we responded to a well-being check of an individual. During the investigation, the well-being of a child came into question. 

Due to misinformation being shared on social media regarding this situation, we have received a large number of inquiries from the public concerning the safety of the child.  We felt it necessary to provide some additional factual information concerning the incident.  

First and foremost, the child is safe and currently with family members.  

The following provides further details into the incident:  The mother was ordered by the court to attend a mental health evaluation.  After the mother was discharged, family members continued to have concern for the mother’s ability to properly care for the child. A co-investigation with the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division determined the mother was actively struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. Investigators believed the child would have been endangered if left in the care of the mother.  The investigation also revealed the father lived several states away and was not able to reasonably take custody of the child.   

Due to the reasonable fear of the child being at risk of imminent danger, the child was taken into protective custody and placed with family. The father and the Christian County Juvenile Office were contacted and advised of the actions.  This case has been referred to the Christian County Juvenile Office and the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division. Currently, the child is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. 

We take the safety of the children in our community very seriously. This case was handled in accordance with State Statue, RSMO 210.125.  No formal charges were sought against the mother in this instance and the ultimate goal of these types of investigations is the reunification of the child with the parents when it is safe for the child.  

We respectfully request privacy for the family during this difficult time.

The above was recently posted on the city police department’s Facebook Page.