MS HB1624

Establishes state standards and operating procedures for local Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs, which provide trained community volunteers to represent the best interests of children in abuse, neglect, and dependency court cases.

Creates a state CASA Association governed by an elected board of directors with authority to adopt state standards, approve uniform data reporting procedures, and make annual recommendations to the Supreme Court and Legislature on child welfare laws and CASA program effectiveness.

Requires each local CASA program to be governed by a local board of at least seven members and managed by a qualified director; local boards must recruit, screen, and train volunteers who meet minimum requirements including age 21+, good moral character, background checks, and 30 hours of initial training.

Authorizes youth court judges (or senior chancellors if no youth court exists) to appoint CASA volunteers to represent children's best interests in addition to appointed guardians ad litem, with CASA volunteers having access to case records and duty to submit written reports every six months and monitor case compliance.

Transfers administration of the Mississippi Foster Care Fund from the Department of Child Protection Services to the Administrative Office of Courts, with 90% of fund monies directed to direct services for foster families and children and no more than 10% for administrative purposes.