MS HB985

Requires the Department of Human Services to train all family protection specialists and family protection workers in their legal duties to protect constitutional and statutory rights of children and families from initial contact through investigation and intervention.

Mandates training curriculum include instruction on Fourth Amendment limitations on caseworkers' investigations and information on parents' rights.

Creates a Training and Testing Advisory Council composed of 10 members representing the Department of Human Services, social work schools, and professional associations to review the department's training and testing program and make recommendations.

Advisory Council members serve without salary or per diem and shall select a chairperson and vice chairperson from their membership to conduct business with a majority constituting a quorum.

This section and related provisions shall be repealed on July 1, 2012.