MS HB373

Changes requirement for child welfare agencies to "may" facilitate powers of attorney for child care and custody instead of "must" facilitate them.

Allows powers of attorney to be facilitated by either licensed child welfare agencies operating under the Safe Families for Children model or other charitable organizations using the same model.

Requires criminal history and child abuse/neglect background checks on non-relatives designated as attorney-in-fact or persons over 15 residing in their home.

Effective July 1, 2019.