MS HB1320

Requires the Department of Human Services to train all family protection workers, family protection specialists, and persons conducting child abuse or neglect investigations in their legal duties to protect constitutional and statutory rights of parents and families from initial contact through intervention.

Mandates that training curriculum include oral and written instruction on Fourth Amendment limitations placed on caseworkers during investigations.

Establishes employment standards for family protection workers requiring a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, nursing, family studies or related field, plus four weeks of intensive training and passing certification test.

Requires additional specialized training of at least 40 hours in child forensic interview protocols before family protection workers may conduct forensic interviews of children.

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