MS HB1480

Creates a Community-Based Placement for At-risk Children Pilot Program in Hinds, Rankin, Madison, Warren, Yazoo, and Copiah counties to provide early intervention through youth court placement in community homes.

Establishes eligibility for children ages 10-14 living in abusive, neglectful, or delinquency-contributing environments, with consideration given to factors such as single-parent households, school disciplinary/academic problems, and siblings with abuse/neglect/delinquency history.

Requires community homes to be approved as safe by a court-appointed guardian ad litem or Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) prior to youth placement, and authorizes fair and reasonable compensation to homes for placement expenses.

Authorizes funding through legislative appropriations, county board of supervisors allocations, federal grants, donations, and other sources, contingent on committed funding before program creation.

Requires youth courts operating the program to report placements and expenses to the Administrative Office of Courts every six months, with the Supreme Court providing annual legislative updates.