MS SB2771

Changes permanency hearing timeline for children adjudicated as abused or neglected from 120 days to 3 months after adjudication or removal, with subsequent hearings every 3 months.

Authorizes the Office of State Public Defender to represent youth in delinquency and child in need of supervision proceedings, in addition to existing representation authority.

Requires attorneys appointed to represent children in abuse or neglect cases to complete child protection and juvenile justice training approved by the Mississippi Judicial College.

Increases the case threshold for exemption from annual juvenile justice training from 5 to 10 or fewer cases per year for appointed youth court attorneys.

Effective date: July 1, 2025.