Missouri Revised Statutes Title XXXIII. Evidence and Legal Advertisements § 491.710. Hearings involving child witnesses given docket priority--delays or continuances granted, when

In all criminal cases and juvenile court hearings under chapter 211 involving a child victim or witness, as defined in section 491.678 or 491.696, the court shall give docket priority. The court and the prosecuting or circuit attorney shall take appropriate action to insure a speedy trial in order to minimize the length of time the child must endure the stress of his or her involvement in the proceeding. In ruling on any motion or other request for a delay or continuance of proceedings, the court shall consider and give weight to any adverse impact the delay or continuance may have on the well-being of a child victim or witness.