Text Translation - Director's Welcome Message

Welcome.  My name is Deborah Scott, and I thank you for visiting the Missouri Department of Social Services website.  I am deeply honored to serve the good people of this great state as your Director of Social Services.   Working with and for thousands of Missourians alongside our partners is a responsibility we take very seriously. 

I am a lifelong resident of Missouri and believe in and am passionate about this state and the people who live here.  I began working for the state of Missouri in 1986 as a disability examiner and have held various administrative positions over the past twenty years. Before becoming a state employee, I was a teacher and school administrator in Northeast Missouri. 

I have enjoyed each and every opportunity as I have worked with children and families over the years.  It is my fervent hope that in each and every position I have been an encouragement and support as children, youth and adults around me have pursued their dreams and goals to be all they can be.

Throughout my career, there has been no greater opportunity than to work for the Department of Social Services.  Day in and day out it is our mission to support individuals as they work to achieve the greatest level of independence and the best quality of life possible. 
I have challenged our department to live out the following guiding principles:

• Results for Missouri’s people;
• Excellence in customer service;
• Proficiency of performance;
• Integrity of stewardship; and
• Accountability, above all.

As a department, we are here for one purpose and one purpose only – to serve the citizens of Missouri and each other with respect, compassion, efficiency and integrity.   As we work better together, we will work better for the people who benefit from the services and supports offered through the department.  We are working hard to improve in every sector of our department and to become better stewards of the responsibilities entrusted to us by Missourians.

Thank you again for visiting our website.  If there is something the state has to offer through this department to help you achieve greater independence and a better quality of life, please contact one of our local offices in your community.

Thank you.