MS HB1388

Authorizes the Office of the State Public Defender to represent youth in delinquency and child in need of supervision proceedings, in addition to its existing authority to represent indigent parents in abuse, neglect, or termination of parental rights cases

Requires attorneys appointed to represent children alleged to have been abused or neglected to complete child protection and juvenile justice training provided by or approved by the Mississippi Judicial College

Mandates attorneys representing children in delinquency and/or child in need of supervision cases to complete annual juvenile justice training approved by the Mississippi Office of State Public Defender and the Mississippi Commission on Continuing Legal Education

Disqualifies attorneys from serving if they fail to complete required annual training or fail to attend training within six months of being appointed to a youth court case, with exemption for attorneys appointed to five or fewer cases per year

Effective date of July 1, 2025