MS HB1237

Requires the PEER Committee to review the operations of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services and report findings by December 1, 2021, and every two years thereafter.

PEER Committee review shall include program performance measures, outcomes reported to state or federal agencies, direct service personnel statistics including caseloads and turnover rates, and funding sources and uses.

Reports must be submitted to legislative chairs of relevant committees (Senate Public Health and Welfare, Senate Appropriations, House Public Health and Human Services, House Appropriations), the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and the Governor.

Establishes a Coordinator of Services for Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation within the Department of Child Protection Services to investigate trafficking allegations and coordinate victim services.

Requires all Department of Child Protection Services staff including family specialists, adoption specialists, and licensure specialists to receive two hours of training on identifying and assisting children who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation or human trafficking.