MS HB836

Requires children committed to Oakley Youth Development Center to be placed in physical custody within five business days of court order, unless Oakley notifies the court in writing that no beds are available.

Mandates Oakley staff to use the Mississippi Youth Court Information Delivery System (MYCIDS) to obtain child information during the admissions process.

Raises the minimum age for commitment to Oakley or juvenile detention from ten years old to twelve years old, and prohibits children under twelve from being held in secure detention as a disposition.

Authorizes licensed Mississippi attorneys to observe youth court hearings upon signing an oath of confidentiality prepared by the Mississippi Judicial College, with penalties for violations including contempt of court.

Requires all youth court hearings to have a complete stenographic record and mandates youth courts submit monthly cumulative, non-identifying case data to the Administrative Office of Courts, including pending cases, adjudications, detention placements, and custody removals.