Court names new head juvenile officer

Posted 11/21/22

Presiding Judge Jason Lamb recently announced that Ed Hoover has been named as the Chief Juvenile Officer for the 12th Judicial Circuit, comprising Audrain, Montgomery and Warren counties. 

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Court names new head juvenile officer

Posted

Presiding Judge Jason Lamb recently announced that Ed Hoover has been named as the Chief Juvenile Officer for the 12th Judicial Circuit, comprising Audrain, Montgomery and Warren counties. 

As Chief Juvenile Officer, Hoover will oversee a staff of deputy juvenile officers in each county and support personnel whose mission utilizes a restorative and balanced approach in providing services to children, families and the community while always maintaining the best interests of the child and the safety of the community. Hoover will be responsible for the delivery of services to the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court. Judge Michael Wright, of Warren County, is the Juvenile Division judge for the circuit. 

“There is not a day that goes by that I do not love coming to work and appreciate the work I get to do for children, families and the community,” said Hoover. 

Hoover has served as interim Chief Juvenile Officer since the retirement of Bruce McKinnon in April of this year. Hoover previously served as Chief Deputy Juvenile Officer. Hoover serves on the board of directors for the Missouri Juvenile Justice Association, and on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for the Missouri Alliance for Children and Families. He is also an adolescent mental health instructor through the National Center for Youth Opportunity and Justice. His tenure working with youth includes previous experience at the Missouri Department of Social Services in both the Children’s Division and the Division of Youth Services prior to joining the Juvenile Office. Hoover has recently been accepted into the Missouri Court Management Institute class for 2023-2024. 

“Ed brings the right combination of experience and commitment to the youth and families of our communities that is needed in the job,” said Judge Lamb. “His concern for the health and safety of our youth is exhibited by his enthusiasm to expand innovative approaches that go beyond traditional courtroom responses, such as the circuit’s mentoring program.” 

The mentoring program, which is an early diversion program, connects at-risk juveniles with activities such as youth sports, the YMCA, community theater, and other volunteer and extracurricular programs. These activities provide positive outlets for youths and build community connections that can remain in their lives once released from the program. 

Hoover was raised in Mexico and is a 1987 graduate of Mexico High School. He attended Missouri Western State University on an athletic scholarship and graduated with degrees in law enforcement and administration. He resides in Mexico with his family.

12th Circuit Court, Warren County Circuit Court, Juvenile Court, Juvenile Officer

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