HB 1171 Summary

• Creates the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services as an independent sub-agency within the Department of Human Services, with a Commissioner appointed by the Governor, to administer child protection and welfare services previously handled by the Department of Human Services' Division of Family and Children's Services.

• Makes technical amendments throughout Mississippi Code to replace references to "Department of Human Services" or "State Department of Public Welfare" with "Department of Child Protection Services" in statutes governing child protection, foster care, adoption, and child welfare services.

• Exempts Department of Child Protection Services personnel actions from State Personnel Board rules and regulations for one year beginning July 1, 2017, to allow the department flexibility for reorganization and realignment.

• Establishes powers and duties of the Department of Child Protection Services to provide protective services, assume care of dependent children, place children in suitable institutions or homes, and accept custody or guardianship when appointed by courts.

• Adds the Commissioner of the Department of Child Protection Services as a member of the Interagency Coordinating Council for Children and Youth and various other interagency bodies to ensure coordination of child welfare and protection services across state agencies.