1. There is hereby established within the office of administration the “Office of Child Advocate for Children’s Protection and Services”, for the purpose of assuring that children receive adequate protection and care from services, programs offered by the department of social services, or the department of mental health, or the juvenile court. The child advocate shall report directly to the commissioner of the office of administration.

2. The office shall be administered by the child advocate, who shall be appointed jointly by the governor and the chief justice of the Missouri supreme court with the advice and consent of the senate. The child advocate shall hold office for a term of six years and shall continue to hold office until a successor has been duly appointed. The advocate shall act independently of the department of social services, the department of mental health, and the juvenile court in the performance of his or her duties. The office of administration shall provide administrative support and staff as deemed necessary.