Missouri Child Abuse Investigators Overwhelmed as Backlogs Return

Missouri child abuse investigators overwhelmed as backlogs return

Missouri child welfare workers cite crushing caseloads and new bureaucratic rules as the reasons they leave their jobs.

Missouri child abuse investigators are overwhelmed again as backlogs return

Ashley Allen, of Joplin, quit her job as an investigator for the Missouri Children's Division in April due to an overwhelming caseload. Now she works as a case manager for First Steps, which provides services for families with young children with disabilities. Allen also founded a nonprofit, Community Closet of Joplin, that distributes donated clothing and goods to people in need. (Steph Quinn / Missouri Independent).JOPLIN — Ashley Allen had wo…