Program Director: Kathleen McKay
Email: kmckay@MoGirlsTown.org
Phone Number: (573) 642-5345
Office Hours: Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Referrals to Missouri Girls Town are made through state agencies including:

Children’s Division

Adoption Subsidy

Division of Youth Services

Department of Mental Health

Juvenile Offices/ Courts

Missouri Alliance

If you are a parent or guardian, you may call our Admissions Coordinator to discuss whether a placement would be appropriate. Referrals to other appropriate agencies may be given at this time.

• Case managers inquiring about a possible placement should contact the Admissions Coordinator to discuss options.

• The next step is for case managers to fax or mail a referral packet to Girls Town. Packets may include:

  • CS-9 form through the Children’s Division

  • Psychological Evaluations

  • Court Documents

  • School Records/ Transcripts

  • Medical Records

• After the referral is reviewed, the Admissions Coordinator will contact the case manager to clarify any issues about the child and funding.

• A decision regarding placement should be made within 48 hours.

We have two levels at which a child may be admitted. Level 4 is for girls who need a highly-structured environment and have major safety concerns (run-risk, harm to self, harm to others, seriously acting out sexually). Level 3 is for girls who still need a structured environment, but who have a little more flexibility with their decision-making. If you need assistance classifying the level, discuss this with the Admissions Coordinator.

Admission to Missouri Girls Town is centered around what is best for each young woman and her future goals. There are two tracks to allow for the girls to receive the maximum treatment benefits while they are in our care. There is also a long-term program, where placement is assured for at least one year. The Admissions Coordinator can assist in discussing the benefits and disadvantages of each program.

The short-term program is commonly designed around a girl reunifying with her family when she leaves Missouri Girls Town. The exact length and treatment modalities should be discussed before admission, so the girl knows what is expected and can start working with the program right away.

The long-term program is also for girls who are reunifying with their family, but for many other reasons as well. The objective may also be returning the child to foster care or preparing her for independent living.