Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2470

Introduced
1/20/25  
Refer
1/20/25  

Caption

Department of Child Protection Services; amend provisions related to kinship payments.

Impact

The proposed changes would directly impact existing support structures within the child welfare system, particularly enhancing the resources available to kinship caregivers. By raising the potential for kinship caregivers to receive benefits comparable to those of foster parents, the bill encourages a more supportive family environment for children in state care. The adjustments are potentially a significant step towards ensuring children retain a connection to their familial ties, promoting familial stability and continuity despite parental challenges.

Summary

Senate Bill 2470 aims to amend the Mississippi Code of 1972 by revising provisions related to kinship support payments and the responsibilities of the Department of Child Protection Services (CPS). The bill seeks to improve the financial support provided to relatives caring for children placed in their custody, ensuring they receive monthly payments equivalent to those provided to traditional foster care placements. This initiative reflects an understanding of the increasing role of extended families in child-rearing, particularly when biological parents are unable to provide care.

Contention

Concerns may arise regarding the bill's funding and implementation. While the increase in support for kinship caregivers is broadly supported, there may be debates over the fiscal implications of the amendments, particularly in relation to the availability of funds for these payments. Additionally, the bill's provisions state that these payments to relatives are contingent on specific appropriations from the Legislature, which could introduce uncertainties in the consistency and reliability of such financial support.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2737

Child protection services; authorize "kinship payments" to children's extended family, as needed or applicable.

MS HB1691

Department of Child Protection Services; authorize to make care payments to fictive kin whom a child is placed with.

MS SB2678

Department of Child Protection Services; separate agency from the Department of Human Services.

MS HB1149

Path to permanency; provide for children in Child Protection Services.

MS HB989

Child Protection Services; remove from DHS and make it a separate agency.

MS HB808

Youth court services fees and fines; exclude parents and children from payment of.

MS HB1559

Termination of parental rights; revise various provisions relating to.

MS SB2792

Foster care and adoption; revise provisions related to per recommendations of task force.

MS HB1794

Appropriation: Child Protection Services, Department of.

MS HB1625

Appropriation: Child Protection Services, Department of.

Similar Bills

MS HB1387

Kinship payments for foster children; revise who may be paid.

MS SB2504

Department of Child Protection Services; amend provisions related to kinship payments.

MS HB456

Child abuse; revise definition to include gender reassignment.

MS HB1147

Child abuse; revise definition to include gender reassignment.

MS SB2461

Department of Child Protection Services; amend provision related to durable legal guardianship as permanency option.

MS SB2465

Department of Child Protection Services; amend provision related to durable legal guardianship as permanency option.

MS HB1595

School district; require drug testing of truant students in Grade 6-12.

MS SB2611

Felonious child abuse; provide for where child tests positive at birth for certain controlled substances.