The Department of Social Services Announces Sara Smith as the Director of Children’s Division

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JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Today, the Department of Social Services (DSS) announced the appointment of Sara Smith as Director of the Missouri Children’s Division. Smith will assume the role of Children’s Division Director within DSS, effective March 13, 2025.

“We are excited to welcome Sara Smith as the new Director of the Missouri Children’s Division,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “Sara’s experience and dedication to supporting children and families make her an ideal leader for this vitally important role. Under Sara’s guidance, the Children’s Division will be able to make the necessary strides to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children in our state.”

DSS Children’s Division is responsible for the administration of child welfare services. The Children’s Division works in partnership with families, communities, the courts and other governmental entities toward ensuring the safety, permanency, and well-being of Missouri children.

“I am delighted to congratulate Sara Smith on her appointment. Sara’s deep commitment to child welfare, extensive experience, and strong leadership background make her an incredibly qualified choice to serve in this role, “said Director Jess Bax, Department of Social Services. “I want to applaud Governor Kehoe’s support throughout this transition and look forward to working with her to drive positive change and strengthen our efforts to support children and families.”

Smith currently serves as the Director of Children’s Residential Programs & Compliance with DSS.

Prior to her current role, Smith served in various roles throughout the Children’s Division (CD) beginning as a frontline investigator. Her most recent role within CD was serving as a Deputy Director for three years. Additionally, Smith has served as a Deputy Director for the Family Support Division. She has nearly 19 years of government and leadership experience, including serving as a Children’s Service Worker (County Investigator, Out of Home Investigation Unit, and Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline Unit), Children’s Service Supervisor, Children’s Service Specialist (Child Abuse and Neglect Review Boards), and Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline Unit Manager. Prior to working in government, Smith worked at a Child Advocacy Center.

“I’ve worked in the child welfare space for more than 25 years—and I am honored to be able to work with the Children’s Division team and external partners who show up daily to keep kids safe,” said Director Sara Smith, DSS Children’s Division. “Our team will focus on safety and streamlining processes to better serve kids and families.”

Smith holds a master’s degree in criminal justice. She and her husband, Derrick, have two children and live in Jefferson City, Missouri.