JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — A new report finds that Mississippi’s child welfare system continues to deteriorate, raising the stakes for state government’s effort to stave off a federal judge from taking over the system.
It’s the second straight report to find the state is backsliding in efforts to meet settlement obligations in a long-running federal lawsuit. Performance declined in all but one of 13 regions, and none met even half the 19 standards.
Gov. Phil Bryant has named former Supreme Court Justice David Chandler to lead the Division of Family and Children’s Services, ordering the unit of the Department of Human Services to report directly to him. He also pledges to increase funding.
The report faults the department for actions before and after the death of an infant in its custody early last year.
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