MS HB1188

Transfers the Juvenile Detention Facilities Monitoring Unit from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Human Services, with all personnel, records, property, equipment and funds transferred accordingly.

Requires the Department of Human Services to contract with independent monitors for the Oakley Youth Development Center following termination of the Department of Justice consent decree, with semi-annual visits for protection from harm, mental health/suicide, and medical/dental areas, and annual visits for education and external investigations.

Authorizes monitoring unit staff to access detained youth, staff, parents/guardians, and confidential records despite state or local laws restricting such access.

Requires the Department of Human Services to contract with a juvenile justice expert to provide training to all monitoring unit employees within nine months of the transfer, covering interviewing skills, report writing, and standard practices in juvenile detention centers.

Changes reporting frequency from quarterly to semi-annual basis for reports to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Legislature members, and county boards of supervisors regarding the monitoring unit's work and findings.