The Putting Kids First campaign was a year-long community education and engagement effort that laid the foundation for creating the Franklin County Children’s Services Fund in Missouri. Led by local leaders, the campaign brought together children’s service providers, community members, and the Franklin County Children and Families Community Resource Board to inform and mobilize local residents. Their work culminated in the successful passage of Proposition 1 in November 2008.

The Franklin County Children’s Services Fund was created as a dedicated fund to support mental and behavioral health services for children and youth younger than age 19, enabled by Missouri State Statutes RMSo 67.1775 and 210.861. The fund is overseen by the Franklin County Children and Families Community Resource Board, which awards funds through contracts with local agencies that provide services to address the mental and behavioral health needs of the county’s young people. The purpose of the fund is to strengthen the emotional and mental well-being of local children by investing in programs that address behavioral health needs across the community.

Fund Purpose and Impact

The Franklin County Children’s Services Fund strengthens the well-being, safety, and stability of children, teens, and families by funding a comprehensive system of care that provides both prevention and intervention services. Missouri State Statute 210.861 prescribed the key services that are eligible for funding, including the following:

Temporary shelter for youth who need assistance
Respite care
Services to parenting teens
Outpatient substance use and psychiatric treatment for adolescents
Crisis intervention
Services for transitional-age youth
Individual, group, and family counseling
Home-based family intervention
Family support services
Sexual abuse, violence, suicide, and substance abuse prevention
Supportive services for “high-risk youth,” as defined by the Franklin County Children’s Services Fund

In addition to these program investments, the fund manages wrap-around and emergency assistance to help families remain housed and stable by covering rent, utilities, and other crisis-related needs. This support extends beyond essentials, providing opportunities that help children stay engaged in school and community life, such as covering the costs of band fees and summer camps. Wrap-around assistance is capped at $500 per child, and $1,500 per family, and staff collaborate with other emergency funders for larger or ongoing needs.

The fund also plays a central role in coordinating the county’s broader system of care. It oversees the Family Resource Center, a community hub made up of 12 partner organizations that work together to provide integrated, family-centered services. Through these efforts, the Franklin County Children’s Services Fund ensures that children, youth, and families receive the comprehensive, wrap-around support they need.

Governance and Administration

The Franklin County Children’s Services Fund is governed and administered by the Franklin County Community Resource Board, an independent local governing body responsible for overseeing the fund. All 12 board members are appointed by the Franklin County Commissioners and serve three-year terms, with the possibility of reappointment, ensuring both continuity and strong community representation. The board sets policy, oversees funding decisions, and ensures that financial resources are used effectively to support children throughout Franklin County.

As part of its administrative responsibilities, the Franklin County Community Resource Board oversees a structured annual funding cycle. This begins with a July Request for Funding Proposals, followed by the submission of concept papers from new programs and applications from existing programs. The Selection and Review Committee evaluates all proposals, and the board monitors the resulting purchase of services contracts. Through this process, the board ensures that public funds are allocated transparently, responsibly, and in alignment with the fund’s mission.