565.149. As used in sections 565.149 to 565.169, the following words and phrases mean:
(1) "Child", a person under seventeen years of age;
(2) "Legal custody", the right to the care, custody and control of a child;
(3) "Parent", either a biological parent or a parent by adoption;
(4) "Person having a right of custody", a parent or legal guardian of the child.
(L. 1988 H.B. 1272, et al. § 1)
Missouri General Assembly