Missouri Revised Statutes Title XIII. Correctional and Penal Institutions § 217.345. First offenders and offenders eighteen or younger--mandatory program--physical separation of offenders less than eighteen years of age--rules--contract for provision of service--evaluation process

1. Correctional treatment programs for first offenders and offenders eighteen years of age or younger in the department shall be established, subject to the control and supervision of the director, and shall include such programs deemed necessary and sufficient for the successful rehabilitation of offenders.

2. Programs established pursuant to this section shall include physical separation of offenders who are younger than eighteen years of age from offenders who are eighteen years of age or older and shall include educational programs that award a high school diploma or its equivalent.

3. The department shall have the authority to promulgate rules pursuant to subsection 2 of section 217.378 1 to establish correctional treatment programs for offenders under age eighteen. Such rules may include:

4. The department shall have the authority to determine the number of juvenile offenders participating in any treatment program depending on available appropriations. The department may contract with any private or public entity for the provision of services and facilities for offenders under age eighteen. The department shall apply for and accept available federal, state and local public funds including project demonstration funds as well as private moneys to fund such services and facilities.

5. The department shall develop and implement an evaluation process for all juvenile offender programs.