reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-G - Adoption Policy › ADOPTION ASSISTANCE › Section 18-6-1-G-XII - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-G-XII-G - Adoption Addendum

Current through June 25, 2024
* Household members, sleeping arrangements, and safety
						  equipment in the home
* Changes since the last home re-evaluation
* Adoption Issues Training
* Adoptee's personality, school adjustments, and
						  emotional ties to the foster family
* Child's Special needs and certification of adoption
						  assistance
* Resource Parents' understanding of the child's
						  special needs and plans to meet these needs permanently
* Resource Parent's realistic goals for the child
* Resource Parent's lifetime commitment and
						  contingency plan
* Resource Parent's monthly income, monthly expenses
						  and etc.
* Resource Parent's need for adoption assistance
						  (Child on SSI?)
* Efforts made to place the child without adoption
						  assistance
* Discipline used by the Resource Parent
* Presentation of the background information on the
						  child to the Resource Parents
* Plan to maintain sibling contact with children who
						  are not placed in this home and with other significant people in the child's
						  life
* Information regarding other children residing in the
						  home, (ages, grade, personality -birth, foster, adopted or relative's children)
* Interaction among all household members
* Interview all children privately
* Feelings of other children in the home about this
						  pending adoption
* Children's description of family rules and
						  discipline
* Adoptee(s) understanding of adoption
* Adoptee(s) feelings about being a part of this
						  family forever
* Changes expected by finalizing this adoption
* Child's understanding of roles of the birth
						  parents/adoptive parents
* Items child has from birth family
* Adoption Specialist's recommendation and ASWS
						  approval
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-G - Adoption Policy › ADOPTION ASSISTANCE › Section 18-6-1-G-XII - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-G-XII-I - Form 431- Adoption Assistance Agreement

Current through June 25, 2024
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Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-G - Adoption Policy › ADOPTION ASSISTANCE › Section 18-6-1-G-XII - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-G-XII-J - Form 431B- Application for Extension of Adoption Beyond Age 18

Current through June 25, 2024
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Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-G - Adoption Policy › ADOPTION ASSISTANCE › Section 18-6-1-G-XII - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-G-XII-K - Form 431A- Application for Re-negotiation of Adoption Assistance

Current through June 25, 2024
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Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-H - Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children › Section 18-6-1-H-I - DFCS OVERVIEW

Current through June 25, 2024
The Mississippi Department of Human Services will
					 hereinafter be known as "MDHS" and its Division of Family and Children's
					 Services hereinafter will be known as "DFCS".
A.
History
The need for common rules governing the interstate
					 movement of children was recognized in the 1950s when a group of social service
					 administrators and children's advocates identified barriers for placing
					 children out-of-state for adoption and foster care. Although there were some
					 federal statutes that regulated interstate movement, they did not provide
					 sufficient and consistent protections for children moved between states. The
					 group found that a sending state could not compel the receiving state to
					 provide protection or support services for a child nor could a receiving state
					 compel a sending state to remain financially responsible for the child.
In response to this group's findings, Interstate Compact
					 on the Placement of Children (ICPC, also known as the Compact) was drafted and
					 first signed in 1960. ICPC is not a federal law but is a contractual agreement
					 among the Member States. All 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S.
					 Virgin Islands are members of the ICPC. However, it is open to joinder by all
					 U.S. territories and possessions as is, with Congressional consent, Canada and
					 any/all of its provinces.
Mississippi's ICPC laws begin at MISS. CODE ANN. §
											43-18-1.
					 These laws were implemented to ensure protection and services to children who
					 are placed across state lines for foster care or as a preliminary step to an
					 adoption.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-H - Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children › Section 18-6-1-H-IV - SCOPE OF ICPC

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
What the
				  Compact Does
The Compact law establishes orderly and uniform procedures
					 for the interstate placement of children and assigns responsibility for those
					 involved in placing the child. The ICPC contains 10 Articles and every state's
					 ICPC contains basically the same Articles. Each Article defines a specific
					 function of the law including identifying the types of placements and placers
					 subject to the law; the procedures to be followed in making an interstate
					 placement; and the specific protections, services, and requirements brought by
					 enactment of the law.
B.
Types of Placements Covered
Articles II (d), III and VI of the ICPC identify the four
					 types of placements of children which are subject to compliance:
1. Placement preliminary to an adoption.
2. Placements into foster care,
				  including foster homes, group homes, residential treatment facilities, and
				  institutions.
3. Placements with
				  parents and relatives when a parent or relative is not making the placement.
4. Placements of adjudicated
				  delinquents in institutions in other states.
Not all placements of children into other states are
					 subject to compliance with the Compact. The Compact does not include placements
					 made in medical and mental health facilities or in boarding schools, or "any
					 institution primarily educational in character." (MISS. CODE ANN. §
					 43-18-1.II.d.)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-H - Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children › Section 18-6-1-H-V - ARTICLES OF THE ICPC

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Article I.
				  Purpose and Policy
It is the purpose and policy of the party state to
					 cooperate with each other in the interstate placement of children to the end
					 that:
a) Each child requiring
				  placement shall receive the maximum opportunity to be placed in a suitable
				  environment and with persons or institutions having appropriate qualifications
				  and facilities to provide a necessary and desirable degree and type of care.
b) The appropriate authorities in
				  a state where a child is to be placed may have full opportunity to ascertain
				  the circumstances of the proposed placement, thereby promoting full compliance
				  with applicable requirements for the protection of the child.
c) The proper authorities of the state from
				  which the placement is made may obtain the most complete information in order
				  to evaluate a projected placement.
d) Appropriate jurisdictional arrangements
				  for the care of children will be promoted.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-H - Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children › Section 18-6-1-H-VI - ICPC PROCEDURES

Current through June 25, 2024
Prior to sending any child into a Receiving State for
					 placement in foster care, an adoption, a child-caring agency or institution,
					 the Sending Agency shall furnish the appropriate public authorities in the
					 Receiving State notice of the intent to send or place a child.
If it is determined to be in the best interest of the
					 child to be placed in another state, the county worker will discuss the request
					 for interstate placement with the Area Social Work Supervisor (ASWS). If the
					 plan appears suitable, and the ASWS approves, the worker will proceed as
					 follows:
A.
Sending County's
				  Responsibility
1.
Procedure A:
				  Home Study Requests to Place a Child in a Parent or Foster Placement in Another
				  State
(Sending State Priority Home Study Request,
See
Appendix C)
(Receiving State Priority Home Study,
See
Appendix D)
1. To initiate an ICPC
				  request for a Home Study and Placement approval, the referring worker shall
				  submit an original and (2) copies of the ICPC referral packet to the ICPC
				  office for review and processing. The ICPC referral packet shall contain the
				  following documents: (
See
Appendix E)
a. ICPC Referral Checklist (
Go
				  to
http://dfcsmacweb/DFCSWEB/
).
b. Cover letter: Include type of
				  request, whom request is for and reason for placement.
c. Social Summary: It should include
				  background information and current assessment.
d. Current Custody Order and other pertinent
				  court documents (signed and dated).
e. Financial/Medical Plan and appropriate
				  supporting documentations. (
Go to
http://dfcsmacweb/DFCSWEB/
)
f. Individual Service Plan (ISP)
g. Individual Educational Plan
				  (IEP), psychological and/or psychiatric assessment or any document that
				  specifies the child's needs, if available, school records, Birth Certificates
				  and Social Security Cards.
h.
				  Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Indicate heritage, eligibility, compliance in
				  the memo of request.
i. Form
				  ICPC-100A, fully completed on each child. (
Go to
http://dfcsmacweb/DFCSWEB/
)
j. Reference Form. (
See
Appendix F)
k. Statement of
				  Interest Form (
Go to
http://dfcsmacweb/DFCSWEB/
)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-H - Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children › Section 18-6-1-H-VII - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-H-VII-A - Mississippi Family and Children's Services

Current through June 25, 2024
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Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-H - Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children › Section 18-6-1-H-VII - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-H-VII-B - Home Evaluation Guide

Current through June 25, 2024
The attached guide is to be used as the format for all
						ICPC Regulation 7 Priority Home Evaluations. It will give a composite picture
						of the family and will provide a base from which to make an informed decision
						about placement.
The attached guide should be used for a
priority
home evaluation.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-H - Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children › Section 18-6-1-H-VII - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-H-VII-D - Receiving State's Priority Home Study

Current through June 25, 2024
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Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-H - Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children › Section 18-6-1-H-VII - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-H-VII-E - ICPC Referral Packet Residential Treatment Facility

Current through June 25, 2024
When a child's parent or legal guardian is proposing to
						place a child into a residential treatment facility in another state, the
						Referral Packet must contain the following:
* Cover letter (in triplicate) that includes the
						financial and medical plan for each child.
* Form ICPC-100A (original and 4 copies) completed and
						signed by "sending party" for each child.
* Social history (in triplicate) for each child that
						includes the basis on which the particular residential treatment facility was
						selected.
* Educational, medical, psychiatric, and/or
						psychological reports (in triplicate) on each child, if appropriate.
* Verification of each child's eligibility for Title
						IV-E Medicaid benefits, current and in the proposed placement.
When an agency or a court is proposing to place a child
						into a residential treatment facility, the agency or an officer of the court is
						responsible for preparing the ICPC Referral Packet, using the guidelines
						developed by the Sending State ICPC office. A copy of the court order (in
						triplicate) must be included to show who has legal custody of the child.
CONTENT ICPC REFERRAL PACKET
Proposed Placement with Birth Parent,
						Relative, or Foster Care
The ICPC Referral Packet for placement with a
						birth parent, relative or foster care in another Member State should
						include:
* Form ICPC-100A on each child, completed and signed by
						person/agency with authority to be the "Sending Agency" as defined in Article
						II (b) (
original and 4 copies
)
* Cover letter (
in triplicate
) that
						includes -
a. Reason out-of-state placement is being pursued;
b. Statement indicating the person/agency/court that has
						legal custody of each child;
c. Permanency goal and brief statement of case plan for
						each child (including identification of specific service(s) needed by each
						child) and the expected achievement date(s);
d. Plans for meeting cost of care in other state,
						including who is financially responsible for each child;
e. Indication of each child's eligibility or
						ineligibility for
* Title IV-E Medicaid benefits;
* SSI benefits;
a. Request for evaluation of the proposed caretaker and
						identifying information about the proposed caretaker, including type of
						resource (e.g., foster family, relative family, etc.).
* Social summary on EACH child (
in
						triplicate
)
* Court order(s) on EACH child (
in
						triplicate
) that shows -
a. Court has jurisdiction over each child;
b. Date of adjudicatory hearing for each child;
c. Person/agency who has legal custody of each child;
d. Person/agency who has physical custody of each child.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-H - Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children › Section 18-6-1-H-VII - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-H-VII-F - References

Current through June 25, 2024
ASSOCIATION OF ADMINISTRATORS OF THE INTERSTATE
						COMPACT ON THE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN
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Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-H - Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children › Section 18-6-1-H-VII - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-H-VII-G - Pre-Screening Reg. 2 and 7

Current through June 25, 2024
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Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-H - Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children › Section 18-6-1-H-VII - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-H-VII-H - Adoption Request Checklist

Current through June 25, 2024
ICPC ADOPTION REQUEST CHECKLIST
(All Requests Must be Submitted in
						TRIPLICATE)
Adoptive Home Study and Conversion Requests
[] ICPC-100A form requesting adoptive home study
[] TPR and all other court orders / legal documents on
						child(ren)
[] Complete social / medical / psychological /
						educational history on child(ren)
[] IV-E documentation on child(ren)
[] Financial / Medical Plan
[] Certification of first time adoptive parents
						pre-adoptive training requirements
[] Cover letter
Newborn Adoptive Placements Requests (MS does not
						accept UNBORN baby requests)
[] ICPC-100A form requesting adoptive placement
[] TPR Order (needed if finalizing in MS) or
						Relinquishment (approved as a "legal risk" placement)
[] Family History / Medical / Genetic Questionnaire
						signed by birthparents or explanation if both have not completed this
[] Family History Pregnancy and Delivery Information
						Questionnaire
[] Hospital records: discharge summary, medical records
[] Social history of birth mother and birth father
[] Birth parents counseling summary
[] Adoptive home study
[] Private adoptions only: statement of expenses paid to
						birth parent(s) by adoptive parents
[] Certification of first time adoptive parents
						pre-adoptive training requirements
[] Other: Any other documentation to meet the
						requirements of another state
[] Overnight courier envelope for the Receiving State
						with postage to contain 2 copies of request
[] Send this information via overnight courier ONLY
						to:
Mississippi ICPC
Department of Human Services/ Division of Family &
						Children's Services
750 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39202
Older Children Adoptive Placement Requests
[] ICPC-100A form requesting adoptive placement
[] TPR Order or Relinquishment (if pending, may approve
						as "legal risk placement")
[] Social history of birth mother and birth father
[] Current adoptive home study
[] Current foster home license
[] Documentation of 3 pre-adoptive placement visits (for
						special needs children only)
[] Certification of first time adoptive parents
						pre-adoptive training requirements
[] Other: Any other documentation to meet the
						requirements of another state
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-I - Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Policy › Section 18-6-1-I-I - LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) OVERVIEW

Current through June 25, 2024
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C.
					 § 2000 d
Prohibition against exclusion from participation
					 in, denial of benefits, and discrimination under federally assisted programs on
					 grounds of race, color, or national origin.
No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of
					 race, color, or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied
					 the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or
					 activity overseen by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) and
					 receiving Federal financial assistance.
Mississippi Department of Human Services - Division of
					 Family and Children's Services (MDHS-DFCS) shall ensure that persons with
					 Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access and an equal
					 opportunity to participate in our services, activities, programs and other
					 benefits. The policy of MDHS-DFCS is to ensure meaningful communication with
					 LEP clients and their authorized representatives while they are involved with
					 MDHS-DFCS. The policy also provides for communication of information contained
					 in vital documents, including but not limited to, waivers of rights, consent to
					 treatment forms, financial and insurance benefit forms, etc.
(documents
					 applicable to our agency).
All interpreters, translators and other aids
					 needed to comply with this policy shall be provided without cost to the person
					 being served, and clients and their families will be informed of the
					 availability of such assistance free of charge.
Language assistance shall be provided through use of
					 competent bilingual staff, staff interpreters, contracts or formal arrangements
					 with local organizations providing interpretations or translation services, or
					 technology and telephonic interpretation services. All staff shall be provided
					 notice of this policy and procedure, and staff that may have direct contact
					 with LEP individuals shall be trained in effective communication techniques,
					 including the effective use of an interpreter.
MDHS-DFCS shall conduct a regular review of the language
					 access needs of our client population, as well as update and monitor the
					 implementation of this policy and these procedures, as necessary.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-I - Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Policy › Section 18-6-1-I-IV - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-I-IV-A - I Speak Cards

Current through June 25, 2024
Hello, my name is
						_________________________________
I speak limited English. I need competent language
						assistance in Spanish to have full and effective access to your programs. Under
						Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, public agencies are obligated to provide
						competent language assistance to limited-English-proficient individuals. Social
						and health service agencies may call HHS Office for Civil Rights at
						1-800-368-1019 for more information. Food Stamp and WIC agencies may call USDA
						Office of Civil Rights at 1-888-271-5983. All other agencies may call U.S.
						Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, at 1-888-848-5306.
Hola, mi nombre
es
						____________________________________
Hablo muy poco inglés. Necesito ayuda en
						español para poder tener acceso completo y efectivo a sus programas.
						Bajo el Titulo VI del Decreto de Derechos Civiles de 1964, las oficinas
						públicas están obligadas a proporcionar ayuda competente, en su
						propio idioma, a las personas con limitaciones en el inglés, Para
						más información, las oficinas de servicios sociales y de salud
						pueden llamar a la Oficina de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Salud y
						Servicios Humanos (HHH) al 1-800-368-1019. Las oficinas de estampillas para
						comida y del Programa de Nutrición Suplemental Especial para Mujeres,
						Bebés, Niños (WIC) pueden llamar a la Oficina de Derechos Civiles
						del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA) al 1-888-271-5983.
						Todas las otras oficinas pueden llamar a la División de Derechos Civiles
						del Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos al
						1-888-848-5306.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-I - Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Policy › Section 18-6-1-I-IV - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-I-IV-B - Complaint Form (English)

Current through June 25, 2024
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Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-I - Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Policy › Section 18-6-1-I-IV - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-I-IV-C - Complaint Form (Spanish)

Current through June 25, 2024
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Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Mission Statement

Current through June 25, 2024
Mississippi Department of Human Services Division of
				  Family and Children's Services
Vision
"
A New Day
" We have a clean slate; we offer new
				  opportunities for clients, staff, and stakeholders; we think with imagination
				  and creativity; we ask how we can do something better; and we ask not why, but
				  why not.
Mission
The mission of MDHS is to provide services for people in need
				  by optimizing all available resources to sustain the family unit and to
				  encourage traditional family values thereby promoting self-sufficiency and
				  personal responsibility for all Mississippians.
Values
The Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of
				  Family and Children's Services has identified six values that will be honored
				  in working with clients and each other. These are:
Competence
To be competent we have technical
				  skills and knowledge; we work with common sense; we make informed decisions;
				  and we follow through to achieve successful outcomes.
Integrity
To act with integrity we are honest in
				  our interactions; we are accountable for our actions; and we do the right
				  thing.
Responsibility
To be responsible we do what we
				  say we are going to do; we take initiative; and we do "
Whatever It
				  Takes
" to get the job done.
Respect
To be respectful we treat others with
				  kindness, compassion, dignity, and honor differences of our clients and each
				  other.
Personal Courage
To be courageous we are loyal
				  to the Mission of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of
				  Family Children's Services; we advocate for our clients; we lead by example
				  even when doing so carries risk.
Collaboration
To collaborate we make decisions
				  for the common good; we share resources based on need; we work together
				  effectively in teams; and work with a collective knowledge of all programs and
				  services.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-II - ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANIZATION

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Statement of Purpose:
The agency shall have a written statement of its philosophy,
				  purpose, and program. The statement shall contain a description of all the
				  services the agency provides or expects to provide and the methods of service
				  delivery. The agency shall also provide a description of the geographical area
				  it serves or intends to serve. This statement shall be available to the
				  Department, referral sources and other interested persons.
1. General Requirements:
a. An agency shall allow representatives of
				the Department to inspect all aspects of a program's functioning that impact
				children and to interview any staff member or child. The Department's
				representatives shall be admitted immediately and without delay and shall be
				given free access to all areas of a facility, including grounds. If any area of
				a facility is set aside for private use by the facility's owner, the
				Department's representatives shall be permitted to verify that no children are
				present in that area and that the area is inaccessible to children. Any area in
				which children have or have had access to is presumed to be part of the
				facility and not the private area of the owner/operator.
b. An agency accepting a child who lives in
				another state shall show proof of compliance with the Interstate Compact on
				Juveniles or the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children before
				admitting said child.
c. An agency
				shall have an office and staff located within the state. The office shall
				provide adequate space for services. The agency shall also provide a room which
				offers privacy as a meeting place for adults and children to visit, and/or
				prepare for adoptive or foster care placement.
d. The agency shall have access to, shall
				follow practice guidelines and shall assist the Department in meeting all
				requirements contained in MDHS/DFCS policies as appropriate to the services
				provided by the agency.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-III - PERSONNEL

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Policies and
				Practices:
1. The agency
				shall have written personnel policies and practices conducive to recruitment,
				retention, and effective performance by qualified personnel. These policies
				shall reflect the agency's compliance with the civil rights laws, as amended.
				These policies and practices shall include at least the following:
a. Written job descriptions and titles for
				each position defining the qualifications, duties, and lines of
				authority
b. Salary
				scales
c. Description of employee
				benefits, including provision for annual leave, sick leave, holidays, and any
				other special leave
d. Provisions
				which will encourage professional growth through supervision, orientation,
				in-service training, and staff development
e.
				 Provisions for on-the-job training by experienced direct care
				staff to provide support to new staff until these staff members are able to
				adequately care for the children (See Staff Development and In-Service
				Training)
f. Procedures for
				scheduling staff hours and assignments
g. Procedures for annual evaluation of the
				work and performance of each staff member and for three month evaluations of
				each new direct care staff member, both of which shall include provisions for
				employee participation in the evaluation process
h. Description of the termination procedures
				established for resignation, retirement, or discharge
i. Grievance and discipline policies and
				procedures for employees
j. Plan
				for review of the personnel (policies and practices) with staff participation
				at least annually and when necessary.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-IV - RECORDS AND REPORTS

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Records Maintenance:
1. The agency shall maintain records to
				document services provided and administrative and fiscal accountability.
				Representatives of the Department shall have access to all records and
				reports.
2. All records shall be
				confidential and protected from fire, damage or theft. (MS Code §
										43-15-21
				See Appendix)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-V - ADMISSION AND PLANNING

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Admission Procedures:
1. The agency shall have written admission
				policy or procedures as follows:
a. List of
				the materials and forms required from the Department or placing parent(s)
b. Includes a written description
				of the internal acceptance process
c. Outlines placement change procedures for
				the child including notification of his/her parent(s) or guardian or the
				Department, if the child is in Department custody, and documentation to social
				worker prior to any placement change
d. Method used to assign a child to an
				appropriate group
e. Includes a
				method of determining whether the agency is equipped to adequately serve the
				child's needs
f.  Pre-placement
				visit plan for the child to the agency as well as the date and outcome of the
				visit shall be documented in the child's record, if applicable
g. Placement cannot be made based on race,
				color or national origin
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-VI - CARE AND SERVICES

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Service Plan:
1. The agency shall have completed a written
				service plan using the Individual Service Plan (ISP) developed by the
				Department's County of Responsibility within thirty (30) calendar days of
				placement for every child admitted into care.
2. The agency shall collaborate with all
				appropriate staff members and responsible agencies, the Department or parent
				and the child, if age appropriate, in developing and implementing the service
				plan for the child and the child's family.
3. The service plan shall include the
				following:
a. The date the plan is
				approved
b. An assessment of the
				child's and family's strengths and needs
c. Defined goals, staff assignments, time
				schedules and steps to be taken to meet the goals
d. The plan for family (including siblings)
				visitation, unless prohibited
e. An
				alternate permanency plan when a determination has been made by the Department
				that the child cannot return home
f. A plan regarding estimated length of
				placement, discharge, and aftercare
g. The estimated date for the first progress
				review of goal
h. A signed copy of
				the Department's Client's Rights and Responsibilities for the appropriate age
				group of the child
i. Identify
				services to be provided by the agency
j. Designation of the agency's responsibility
				for work with the family
k. A plan
				of preparation and transportation for Independent Living and Transition for
				youth
l. The plan shall be signed
				by the child's parent or legal guardian and responsible staff, when
				appropriate, and a copy given to each.
m. A plan that is initiated and maintained by
				the provider to provide transportation for youth to and from school and /or
				work.
4. The agency shall
				maintain contact with the child's parent(s) and the Department, if appropriate,
				within the parameters of a court order and shall encourage the parent(s) to
				communicate and visit the child in accordance with the service plan.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-VIII - REQUIREMENTS FOR MATERNITY HOMES

Current through June 25, 2024
The requirements for Residential/Group Home which pertain to
				  the care of children prescribed under other sections of this document shall be
				  followed. In addition, there shall be compliance with the following specific
				  requirements for maternity homes. (MS Code §
									43-15-103(k)
				  See Appendix)
A.
Staffing Requirements:
1. The maternity home shall provide a
				staff/child ratio of one (1) staff member to every five (5) females.
2. During sleeping hours, at least one staff
				member shall be awake.
3. A
				maternity home caring for young children and infants shall provide a ratio of
				at least one staff member to five (5) children. When mothers are not
				participating in the care, one staff member to four (4) infants shall be in
				effect.
4. A maternity home shall
				have, on the premises or otherwise readily available at all times, a registered
				nurse or licensed practical nurse.
5. A maternity home shall obtain consultation
				from a licensed practicing physician concerning medical plans and a program of
				medical care for the mothers and their children.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-X - REQUIREMENTS FOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS

Current through June 25, 2024
The requirements for Residential/Group Home which pertain to
				  the care of children prescribed for residential care agencies shall be
				  followed. In addition, there shall be compliance with the following specific
				  requirements for wilderness programs.
Definition
- A "wilderness program"
				  means a residential child care program which provides a variety of outdoor
				  activities in a wilderness environment. A wilderness treatment program offers
				  activities that are designed to improve the emotional and behavioral adjustment
				  of the resident participants. (A camp which provides short-term outdoor
				  recreational activities is not considered a wilderness program).
A.
Admission
				Requirements:
Children under ten (10) years of age shall not be accepted
				  for care in a wilderness program.
Applicants shall be accepted without regard for race, color,
				  or national origin.
B.
Staffing Requirements:
1. Any staff member having full
				responsibility for supervision of residents must be at least twenty-one (21)
				years old.
2. The wilderness
				program shall have at least one (1) regular staff member on duty for every five
				(5) residents. There shall be a sufficient number of qualified staff to give
				individual attention to each resident's physical and emotional needs at all
				times. During special activities, the ratio may need to be increased.
3. Staff shall be located so that at no time
				are residents out of sight and/or hearing of staff.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-XI - REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD PLACING AGENCY SOCIAL SERVICES

Current through June 25, 2024
Social services shall be provided for the child commensurate
				  with his/her needs. These services may be performed by social services staff
				  either in the direct employment of the agency or by a contractual arrangement
				  with a public or private social service agency. Social services shall be a
				  continuing process for the child during the time services are received.
A.
Social Service
				Plan:
1. The agency shall
				develop a written plan for social services consistent with the policies and
				purposes of the agency. The plan shall include, but not be limited to the
				admissions procedures and a description of the services offered to
				children.
2. The written social
				service plan shall be available to parents, referring agencies and other
				authorized persons upon inquiry.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-XII - REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTION SERVICES

Current through June 25, 2024
The goal of adoption is to provide the child, in the absence
				  of care and nurture by his birth family, with a family with whom he/she may
				  develop his/her own personal identity and a new family identity. It is
				  imperative that the child and the prospective adoptive family have the
				  potential for compatibility. (MS Code §
									93-17-1
				  and §
									93-17-223
				  See Appendix)
A.
Administrative Practices:
1. The agency shall establish administrative
				policies, practices and procedures related to adoption. These shall be clearly
				defined and explained.
2. The
				agency shall establish guidelines to include criminal background checks for the
				use of interim placements should it become necessary to do so prior to placing
				the child with the adoptive parents. In such circumstances the child must be in
				the custody of the agency.
3. A
				decision on an application to adopt shall be based on a home study which shall
				include interviews with applicants and references, as well as medical and legal
				information.
4. Placement for
				adoption shall be made in accordance with best practices for children whose
				parent's rights have been terminated.
5. The agency shall ensure that the inability
				of prospective adoptive parents to pay a fee shall not be criteria of
				eligibility for applicants and shall not in any way influence the choice of the
				most suitable family for each child.
6. A licensed child placing agency shall not
				conduct or approve a home study on any of its employees or officials which
				includes board members, volunteers, relatives, or anyone else who has direct
				affiliation with the agency. Arrangements must be made with another licensed
				child placing agency or licensed social worker to conduct and approve the home
				study, make a placement and provide post-placement supervision.
7. Home studies must be approved by a
				licensed social worker.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-XIII - INTERSTATE COMPACT IN THE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN

Current through June 25, 2024
(MS Code §
									43-18-1 to
				  §
									43-18-17
				  See Appendix)
A.
Placement with a Birth Parent
:
1. Whenever a child is under the jurisdiction
				of an appropriate court and proposed to be placed with one or both birth
				parents, the Compact requires the sending agency to retain jurisdiction over
				the child. The court in the sending state retains its responsibility for the
				child until dismissal.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-XIV - REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE HOME SERVICES

Current through June 25, 2024
A Resource Home provides temporary care for a child who is in
				  the custody of the Department and cannot return safely to his/her own home for
				  some period of time. A Resource Home may also be a prospective adoptive home
				  under the dual licensure policy of the Department.
All Resource Homes shall complete the same licensure
				  requirements for foster or adoptive services. A child placing agency which
				  provides Resource Home services shall develop and follow written policies and
				  procedures for these services. A person who wishes to become a Resource Parent
				  shall apply to a placing agency on a form specified by the placing agency. The
				  Department and agency shall conduct adequate screening of all prospective
				  applicants in accordance with Items 1-17, Resource Parent Criteria in Section
				  B. When the agency denies licensure of an applicant or closes a resource home,
				  notice shall be faxed to the Department within five business days. The agency
				  shall call or fax a request to the Department prior to granting a license to
				  determine if applicant has a history with the Department which would make
				  placement inappropriate or unsafe.
A.
Resource Home Application:
1. Prospective Resource Parents shall be
				informed of the agency's requirements for Resource Parents, the types and ages
				of children to be served and the reimbursement process.
2. Prospective Resource Parents shall
				complete an application form which shall include basic demographic information
				on all family members, a list of any criminal charges, permission to perform a
				criminal background, Central Registry check and fingerprinting on all household
				members age 14 years and older, and four (4) references. Agency employees and
				board members are prohibited from serving as resource parents.
3. The Placing Agency shall submit to the
				Department a Resource Home Inquiry Data Form for each applicant prior to the
				family attending any training. The purpose of this form is to screen
				prospective Resource Parents for current and or past involvement with the
				Department and any other affiliations, such as other Placing
				Agencies.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-XV - REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN PLACED IN RESIDENTIAL CARE

Current through June 25, 2024
A. The residential group care agencies to
				which the Department shall refer and place children shall be
				licensed.
B. The Department shall
				select an appropriate facility for a child and document in the case record the
				following:
1. The child's level of
				development, social and emotional needs and the reason the child needs a group
				living experience
2. The child's
				Individual Service Plan
3. The
				parent/child relationship and the potential for parental/ Resource
				Parent(s)/guardian participation in the program and visitation
4. The plan for sibling visitation if not
				placed together, documentation on why siblings are not placed together and plan
				to reunite siblings
5. The reason
				the particular residential agency was selected as the most appropriate for the
				child
6. Statement regarding close
				proximity of placement to child's family and county of jurisdiction.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-XVI - REQUIREMENTS FOR VISITING FAMILY HOMES

Current through June 25, 2024
A. If the agency
				uses private family homes for visitation by children during weekends, holidays
				or vacations, the agency shall develop written policy and procedures including
				forms to be used in approving and utilizing these homes. Visiting families
				shall have limited involvement and decision making authority on the day-to-day
				activities of the children with whom they visit. Decisions about the safety,
				permanency and well-being of the child shall be made by the parent, legal
				guardian or the Department.
B.
				Visiting home policies and records shall include the following:
1. Prior to visit, child's worker must given
				written approval for all visits
2.
				A completed application listing demographic information and the family's
				reasons for requesting to be a visiting family home
3. A site visit and home assessment which
				addresses safety issues, documentation that visiting child shall have his/her
				own bed and shall not share a bedroom with any adult or persons of the opposite
				sex
4. Four written references
				which indicate the family can provide proper temporary care and supervision for
				a child, a criminal background and Central Registry check, and fingerprinting,
				shall be performed on all household members age 14 years and older.
5. A written and signed agreement which
				states the roles and responsibilities of both the agency and family
6. A signed statement agreeing to
				confidentiality regarding the child's situation and circumstances
7. A signed statement from the parent or
				legal guardian authorizing the child's participation in a visiting family home
				program
8. Employees of the
				Department shall not be utilized as visiting family homes.
9. Visits shall not exceed fourteen (14)
				consecutive nights.
10. Board
				payments shall not be made unless visiting family is also an approved Resource
				Home meeting all Resource Home requirements.