MS SB2018

Creates a Community-Based Placement for At-risk Children Pilot Program allowing youth courts to place at-risk children ages 10-14 in court-supervised community homes as an early intervention measure

Requires community homes to be approved as safe and suitable by a court-appointed guardian ad litem or Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) before any child placement

Establishes eligibility for children living in abusive, neglectful, or delinquency-contributing environments, with consideration for factors such as single-parent households, school disciplinary/academic problems, and siblings with abuse/neglect/delinquency histories

Requires consent from custodial parent, person in loco parentis, or guardian ad litem before placement, and authorizes youth courts to determine fair and reasonable compensation to community homes for placement expenses

Permits funding through legislative appropriations, county board of supervisors dedications, federal funds, donations, and other sources; requires participating youth courts to report placements and expenses to the Administrative Office of Courts at least semi-annually with annual legislative updates