Buchanan County Leaders Explore Children's Services Fund to Support Youth Mental Health and Family Services

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Buchanan County leaders are exploring the creation of a Children's Services Fund, a proposal supporters say could provide long-term, stable funding for programs that serve children and families throughout the county.

The initiative was discussed during a recent meeting of the Buchanan County Kids Committee, where representatives from local organizations outlined how the program could expand access to mental health care, child advocacy services, housing assistance, and other resources for children and teens.

What Is the Children's Services Fund?

The proposal would establish a quarter-cent county sales tax dedicated exclusively to programs serving children and youth ages 19 and younger.

If approved by voters, the revenue would be distributed to qualifying nonprofit organizations and agencies throughout Buchanan County that provide services benefiting children and families.

Supporters say the initiative follows Missouri Statute 67.1775, which allows counties to establish Children's Services Funds dedicated to improving the well-being of local youth.

Creating a Stable Source of Funding

Melissa Birdsell, Director of Operations for Voices of Courage, said conversations about the proposal began last November as local organizations searched for ways to create a more dependable funding source.

She explained that many agencies have become increasingly concerned about relying on federal grants, which can fluctuate from year to year.

"We were trying to find a way to create stable, sustainable income and revenue for our agencies so we could budget," Birdsell said.

Birdsell also noted that the proposal is moving forward independently of Missouri's proposed Amendment 5, emphasizing that regardless of what happens at the state level, Buchanan County's needs remain the same.

"We know that doesn't change anything about the issues here in Buchanan County and the need for the services that we provide," she said.

Addressing Mental Health and Childhood Trauma

Supporters say one of the primary goals of the fund is expanding access to children's mental health services.

Birdsell said research consistently shows that untreated childhood trauma can have lifelong effects, increasing the likelihood of mental health struggles, substance abuse, involvement with the criminal justice system, and other long-term challenges.

"We know if a child's trauma goes untreated throughout their childhood, they are going to grow into a lot of different issues that we deal with now," Birdsell said.

Organizers believe investing in children early can lead to healthier families, safer communities, and reduced demand for crisis services later in life.

More Than Just Mental Health

Daniella Brown, CEO of the YWCA, said the funding would benefit far more than just a handful of organizations.

She explained that agencies of all sizes serving children throughout Buchanan County would have the opportunity to apply for funding through a transparent application process outlined in the initiative's bylaws.

Among the areas that could receive financial support are:

• Children's mental health services

• Autism and developmental support programs

• Child abuse prevention and intervention

• Housing assistance for families

• Food security initiatives

• Family support services

• Youth development programs

Brown said local organizations are evaluating the community's greatest needs and believe additional funding could help expand services where they're needed most.

"There are a number of substantiated cases of child abuse and child neglect in our county," Brown said. "If we want to improve the mental health of our children, we have to do something today."

How Much Would the Tax Cost?

Supporters emphasized that the proposed tax would be relatively small.

The measure would add one-quarter of one cent in sales tax, which equals:

• 1 cent on a $4 purchase

• 25 cents on a $100 purchase

• $1 on a $400 purchase

Brown stressed that while the tax would not solve every issue facing children in Buchanan County, it would create a dedicated source of local funding that agencies could rely on year after year.

"This isn't something that we think will solve all our problems because it is not an unlimited funding resource," Brown said.

Looking at Success in Other Missouri Counties

Supporters also pointed to other Missouri communities that have already implemented Children's Services Funds.

According to organizers, 11 Missouri counties currently operate similar programs, and officials say those counties have reported positive outcomes by increasing access to children's services and strengthening support systems for families.

As discussions continue, local leaders say the focus remains on building a sustainable investment in Buchanan County's children—one they believe could strengthen the community for generations to come if approved by voters.