reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 5 - Division of Early Child Care and Development › Chapter 1 - Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan for Mississippi › Subpart 2 - CCDF SUBSIDY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION › Section 18-5-1-2.3 - Eligibility Criteria for Child Care

Current through June 25, 2024
In order to be eligible for services, children must (1) be
					 under the age of 13, or under the age of 19 if the child is physically or
					 mentally disabled or under court supervision; (2) reside with a family whose
					 income is less than 85 percent of the State's median income for a family of the
					 same size; and (3) reside with a parent or parents who is working or attending
					 job training or an educational program; or (4) be receiving or needs to receive
					 protective services. (658P(3), § 98.20(a) )
2.3.1.
How does the Lead Agency define
				  the following eligibility terms?
*
residing with -
living with, including
					 taking meals and sleeping in the same house.
*
in loco parentis
in place of parent, for
					 example, a guardian or a relative or friend with whom the child resides if the
					 child's parent is unable to act as the parent or has delegated his or her
					 authority to someone else. The term describes someone who provides care and
					 supervision like a parent but without going through the formalities of legal
					 adoption or guardianship.
* Yes. If yes, describe Durin g redtermination, parents are
					 asked only to verify profile information and submit income/school enrollment
					 verification.
2.3.2.
Eligibility Criteria Based Upon Age
a)
				  The Lead Agency serves children from six weeks to 12 years 11 mo. (may not
				  equal or exceed age 13).
b) Does
				  the Lead Agency allow CCDF-funded child care for children age 13 and above but
				  below age 19 years who are physically and/or mentally incapable of self-care?
				  (658E(c)(3)(B), 658P(
3
), § 98.20(a)(1)(ii) )
* Yes, and the upper age is 18 years, 11 mo.
(may not equal or exceed age 19) .
Provide the Lead
					 Agency definition
of physical or mental incapacity
a child
					 under age 19 who meets the SSI definition of disability by having medically
					 proven physical or mental condition(s) that cause marked and severe functional
					 limitations expected to last at least 12 months in duration.
[] No.
c) Does the Lead Agency allow CCDF-funded
				  child care for children age 13 and above but below age 19 years who are under
				  court supervision? (658P(3), 658E(c)(3)(B), § 98.20(a)(1)(ii) )
[] Yes, and the upper age is_______
(may not
					 equal or exceed age 19)
* No.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 5 - Division of Early Child Care and Development › Chapter 1 - Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan for Mississippi › Subpart 2 - CCDF SUBSIDY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION › Section 18-5-1-2.6 - Parental Choice In Relation to Certificates, Grants or Contracts

Current through June 25, 2024
The parent(s) of each eligible child who receives or is
					 offered financial assistance for child care services has the option of either
					 enrolling such child with a provider that has a grant or contract for the
					 provision of service or receiving a child care certificate. (658E(c)(2)(A),
					 § 98.15(a) ).
2.6.1.
Child
				  Care Certificates
a) When is the child
				  care certificate (also referred to as voucher or authorization) issued to
				  parents? (658E(c)(2)(A)(iii), 658P(2), § 98.2, § 98.30(c)(4) &
				  (e)(1) & (2))
[] Before parent has selected a provider
* After parent has selected a provider
[] Other. Describe
All referred clients are supported in selecting an approved
					 provider at the time of referral. This supports the Lead Agency in providing
					 the fastest service possible for the state's most vulnerable populations.
					 Non-referred clients who are determined eligible are mailed a certificate and
					 asked to return it with provider information.
b) How does the Lead Agency inform parents
				  that the child care certificate permits them to choose from a variety of child
				  care categories, including child care centers, child care group homes, family
				  child care homes, and in-home providers? (§ 98.30(e)(2) )
[] Certificate form provides information about choice of
					 providers
* Certificate is not linked to a specific provider so
					 parents can choose provider of choice
* Consumer education materials (flyers, forms,
					 brochures)
* Referral to child care resource and referral
					 agencies
* Verbal communication at the time of application
[] Public Services Announcement
* Agency Website:
www.childcareinfo.ms
[] Community outreach meetings, workshops, other in person
					 activities
[] Multiple points of communication throughout the
					 eligibility and renew process
[] Other. Describe______
c) What information is included on the child
				  care certificate?
Attach a copy of the child care certificate as
				  Attachment 2.6.1.
(658E(c)(2)(A)(iii))
* Authorized provider(s)
* Authorized payment rate(s)
* Authorized hours
* Co-payment amount
* Authorization period
* Other. Describe Parent and child identifying information.
					 See attachment.
d) What is
				  the estimated proportion of services that will be available for child care
				  services through certificates?
Approximately 75% of subsidy funds are dispersed through
					 certificates. Remaining subsidy funds are dispersed through
					 slots.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 5 - Division of Early Child Care and Development › Chapter 1 - Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan for Mississippi › Subpart 2 - CCDF SUBSIDY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION › Section 18-5-1-2.7 - Payment Rates for Child Care Services

Current through June 25, 2024
The statute at 658E(c)(4) and the regulations at §
					 98.43(b)(1) require the Lead Agency to establish adequate payment rates for
					 child care services that ensure eligible children equal access to comparable
					 care.
2.7.1
Attach a copy of
				  your payment rates as Attachment 2.7.1.
Will the attached payment rates be used in
all
parts of the State/Territory?
* Yes. Effective Date: October 2007
[] No. If no, attach other payment rates and their
					 effective date(s) as
Attachment 2.7.1a, 2.7.1b
, etc.
2.7.2.
Which strategies, if
				  any, will the Lead Agency use to ensure the timeliness of payments?
[] Policy on length of time for making payments. Describe
					 length of time___
* Track and monitor the payment process
[] Other. Describe______
[] None
2.7.3.
Market Rate Survey
Lead Agencies must complete a local Market Rate Survey
					 (MRS) no earlier than two years prior to the effective date of the Plan (no
					 earlier than October 1, 2011). The MRS must be completed prior to the
					 submission of the CCDF Plan (see Program Instruction CCDF-ACF-PI-2009-02 for
					 more information on the MRS deadline).
a) Provide the month and year when the local
				  Market Rate Survey(s) was completed (§ 98.43(b)(2) ): March
				  2013.
b) Provide a
summary of the results
of the
				  survey
.
The summary should include a description of the sample
				  population, data source, the type of methodology used, response rate,
				  description of analyses, and key findings.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 5 - Division of Early Child Care and Development › Chapter 1 - Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan for Mississippi › Subpart 2 - CCDF SUBSIDY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION › Section 18-5-1-2.8 - Goals for the next Biennium

Current through June 25, 2024
In this section, Lead Agencies are asked to identify at
					 least one goal for the upcoming biennium and are encouraged to identify no more
					 than five priority goals total. ACF will target technical assistance efforts to
					 help Lead Agencies achieve their goal(s). Lead Agencies may include existing
					 goals (e.g., already identified in a State strategic plan or established by the
					 Governor for a Lead Agency). Lead Agencies will report progress and updates on
					 these goals in the annual Quality Performance Report (Appendix 1), including
					 any barriers encountered.
What are the Lead Agency's goals for the administration of
					 the CCDF subsidy program in the coming Biennium? For example, what progress
					 does the State/Territory expect to make on continuing improved services to
					 parents and providers, continuity of care for children, improving outreach to
					 parents and providers, building or expanding information technology systems, or
					 revising rate setting policies or practices).
Note
When identifying your goals below, Lead
					 Agencies are encouraged to begin with an action verb reflecting the desired
					 result over the two year period (e.g., Increase, Improve, Build, Align,
					 Implement, Review, Revise, Streamline, Expand, etc.)
Goal 1 Review provider reimbursement rates and co-payments
					 to determine if changes are possible that allow the Lead Agency to increase
					 certificate distribution.
Goal 2 Build a website that will provide information to
					 parents regarding services and provider selection, including those needing
					 information in languages other than English.
Goal 3 Expand the automation of administrative processes to
					 streamline workflow processes and allow for additional focus on customer
					 service.
Goal 4 Build an online application for service that aligns
					 with other agency services to reduce the burden on applicants.
Goal 5 Increase reports from CCIS to ensure subsidies are
					 reaching clients as quickly and accurately as possible.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 5 - Division of Early Child Care and Development › Chapter 1 - Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan for Mississippi › Subpart 3 - HEALTH AND SAFETY AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES › Section 18-5-1-3.3 - Creating Pathways to Excellence for Child Care Programs through Program Quality Improvement Activities (Component #3)

Current through June 25, 2024
Many States have chosen to use targeted quality funds and
					 other resources to develop a systematic framework for evaluating, improving,
					 and communicating the level of quality in early childhood programs (i.e. QRIS).
					 States and Territories will provide a self-assessment on current program
					 quality improvement activities by responding to questions in this section and
					 then describe their goals for the upcoming Biennium.
For purposes of this section, States and Territories will
					 respond according to a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) framework.
					 QRIS refers to a systematic framework for evaluating, improving and
					 communicating the level of quality in early childhood programs and contains
					 five key elements:
1. Program
				  standards
2. Supports to programs
				  to improve quality
3. Financial
				  incentives and supports
4. Quality
				  assurance and monitoring
5.
				  Outreach and consumer education
While not all States and Territories have developed or
					 implemented a formal QRIS, all are pursuing quality improvement strategies that
					 can be described within this framework (based upon previous CCDF Plans). Using
					 this framework to organize this section allows States/Territories to report on
					 their quality improvement activities systematically whether they have a QRIS or
					 not. Over time, States and Territories are encouraged to work on linking their
					 quality improvement initiatives and strategies across all of these elements,
					 culminating in a comprehensive Quality Rating and Improvement System with
					 adequate support for providers to attain higher levels of quality and
					 transparency for parents and the community regarding the quality of child
					 care.
a) Describe which entities are
				  involved in planning and administering the program quality improvement
				  activities in 3.3, including State/Territory entities and local or community
				  level entities.
The Mississippi Child Care Quality Step System is a
					 star-based QRIS system currently funded by state funds and CCDF Quality funds.
					 The Mississippi State University Early Childhood Institute implements this
					 program. The Lead Agency and MSU ECI collaborate on best practices related to
					 this program's administration and implementation.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 5 - Division of Early Child Care and Development › Chapter 1 - Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan for Mississippi › Subpart 3 - HEALTH AND SAFETY AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES › Section 18-5-1-3.4 - Pathways to Excellence for the Workforce Professional Development Systems and Workforce Initiatives (Component #4)

Current through June 25, 2024
Pathways to excellence for the workforce builds on the
					 significant investments States and Territories have made in the area of
					 professional development systems to ensure a well-qualified workforce with
					 opportunities for growth from entry level through master teacher, with an
					 increasing emphasis on the many additional roles in the child care system (e.g.
					 adult educators such as consultants, technical assistance providers, trainers,
					 and higher education faculty). In this section, States and Territories provide
					 a self-assessment on current professional development and workforce activities
					 and describe their goals for the upcoming Biennium.
For purposes of this section, States and Territories will
					 respond according to five key elements for workforce systems:
1) Core Knowledge and Competencies
2) Career Pathways (or Career
				  Lattice)
3) Professional
				  Development Capacity
4) Access to
				  Professional Development
5)
				  Compensation, Benefits and Workforce Conditions
a) Describe which entities are involved in
				  planning and administering the activities in Section 3.4, including
				  State/Territory entities and local or community level entities.
Mississippi is beginning to engage in discussions
					 surrounding these activities through the work of the Mississippi Early
					 Childhood Advisory Council. At this time the Lead Agency supports access to
					 professional development by funding the Mississippi Child Care Resource and
					 Referral Network and other programs to offer professional development training
					 offered at no cost to participants.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 5 - Division of Early Child Care and Development › Chapter 1 - Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan for Mississippi › AMENDMENTS LOG

Current through June 25, 2024
Child Care and Development Fund Plan for
:
				  ________
For the period
: 10/1/11 - 9/30/12
Lead Agencies are required to request approval from
				  Administration for Children and Families (ACF) whenever a "substantial" change
				  in the Lead Agency's approved CCDF plan occurs. Please refer to the ACF Program
				  Instruction regarding CCDF Plan amendments for more information.
Plan amendments must be submitted to ACF within 60 days of
				  the effective date of the change. Under the regulation, the plan amendment must
				  be approved no later than the 90th day following the date on which the
				  amendment is received by ACF unless the Lead Agency and ACF mutually agree in
				  writing to extend the period. (§ 98.18(b) ).
ACF encourages Lead Agencies to contact the Child Care
				  program staff in the appropriate ACF Regional Office to discuss any proposed
				  amendment as early as possible.
Instructions for Submitting
				  Amendments:
Complete the first 3 columns of the Amendment Log and send a
				  copy of the Log (showing the latest amendment sent to ACF)
and
the amended section(s) to the ACF Regional Office
				  contact. Lead Agency also should indicate the Effective Date of the amended
				  section in the footer at the bottom of the amended page(s). A copy of the Log,
				  showing the latest amendment pending in ACF, is retained as part of the Lead
				  Agency's Plan.
ACF will complete column 4 and returns a photocopy of the Log
				  to the grantee following its review and approval of the amendment. The Lead
				  Agency replaces this page in the Plan with the copy of the Log received from
				  ACF showing the approval date.
Note
: This process depends on repeated
				  subsequent use of the
same
Log page over the life of
				  the Plan. At any time the Log should reflect all amendments, both approved and
				  pending in ACF. The Lead Agency is advised to retain "old" plan pages that are
				  superseded by amendments in a separate appendix to its Plan. This is especially
				  important as auditors will review CCDF Plans and examine effective date of
				  changes.
SECTION AMENDED
EFFECTIVE/ PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE
DATE SUBMITTED TO ACF
DATE APPROVED BY ACF
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-A - Administration › Subpart I - ADMINISTRATION › Section 18-6-1-A-I-I - ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
DFCS
					 Purpose
Under the umbrella of the Mississippi Department of Human
						Services (MDHS), the Division of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) is
						authorized by state statute to promulgate regulations, policies and procedures
						necessary to implement the state's child welfare system and to ensure the
						safety, permanency, and well-being for Mississippi's families and children.
						DFCS is responsible for the Title IV-B Subpart 1 (Child Welfare Services), IV-B
						Subpart 2 (Promoting Safe and Stable Families), Title IV-E (Foster Care and
						Adoption Assistance), Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) as
						amended by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003, Chafee Foster
						Care Independence Program (CFCIP), Educational Training Voucher (ETV) and other
						federal and state programs.
MISS. CODE ANN. §
													43-1-4
Powers and duties of department
The Department of Human Services shall have the
						following powers and duties:
a)
To provide basic services and
					 assistance statewide to needy and disadvantaged individuals and
					 families.
b)
To
					 promote integration of the many services and programs within its jurisdiction
					 at the client level thus improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service
					 delivery and providing easier access to clients.
c)
To develop a statewide
					 comprehensive service delivery plan in coordination with the Board of Health,
					 the Board of Mental Health, and the Department of Finance and Administration.
					 Such plan shall be developed and presented to the Governor by January 1,
					 1990.
d)
To
					 employ personnel and expend funds appropriated to the department to carry out
					 the duties and responsibilities assigned to the department by law.
e)
To fingerprint and
					 perform a criminal history record check on every employee or volunteer
i.
who has direct access to clients
					 of the department who are children or vulnerable adults, or
ii.
who is in a position of fiduciary
					 responsibility. Every such employee and volunteer shall provide a valid current
					 social security number and or driver's license number which shall be furnished
					 to conduct the criminal history record check. If no disqualifying record is
					 identified at the state level, fingerprints shall be forwarded to the Federal
					 Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history record check.
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-A - Administration › Subpart I - ADMINISTRATION › Section 18-6-1-A-I-II - FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE THROUGH THESE GRANTS

Current through June 25, 2024
Following are descriptions of federal grant programs and
						services available through these grants and are examples of services which
						could constitute DFCS service array supported by these grants. Actual direct
						services interventions are described later in this section under "Direct
						Services Interventions". Please see
www.acf.hhs.gov
, from where the following
						information was taken, for additional details or updates.
A.
Title IV-B Subpart 1 (Child Welfare
					 Services)
Social Security Act [
						42
						U.S.C. 621
													§
													421
						]:
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this subpart is to
						promote State flexibility in the development and expansion of a coordinated
						child and family services program that utilizes community-based agencies and
						ensures all children are raised in safe, loving families, by:
1. protecting and promoting the welfare of
					 all children;
2. preventing the
					 neglect, abuse, or exploitation of children;
3. supporting at-risk families through
					 services which allow children, where appropriate, to remain safely with their
					 families or return to their families in a timely manner;
4. promoting the safety, permanence, and
					 well-being of children in foster care and adoptive families; and
5. providing training, professional
					 development and support to ensure a well-qualified child welfare
					 workforce.
45 CFR
						1357.10:
Child Welfare Services
are public social
						services directed to accomplish the following purposes:
1. Protecting and promoting the welfare and
					 safety of all children, including individuals with disabilities; homeless,
					 dependent, or neglected children;
2. Preventing or remedying, or assisting in
					 the solution of problems which may result in the neglect, abuse, exploitation,
					 or delinquency of children;
3.
					 Preventing the unnecessary separation of children from their families by
					 identifying family problems and assisting families in resolving their problems
					 and preventing the breakup of the family where the prevention of child removal
					 is desirable and possible;
4.
					 Restoring to their families children who have been removed and may be safely
					 returned, by the provision of services to the child and the family;
5. Assuring adequate care of children away
					 from their homes, in cases where the child cannot be returned home or cannot be
					 placed for adoption; and
6.
					 Placing children in suitable adoptive homes, in cases where restoration to the
					 biological family is not possible or appropriate.
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-A - Administration › Subpart I - ADMINISTRATION › Section 18-6-1-A-I-VII - POLICY DEVELOPMENT, REVIEW AND COMMUNICATION

Current through June 25, 2024
a)
					 DFCS policies and procedures will be developed when there is a need to
					 regulate, direct, or inform and guide DFCS practices, operations and services
					 to ensure compliance with applicable State and Federal Rules and Laws, Practice
					 Standards, judicial mandates and managerial decision and directives.
b) A comprehensive review of all DFCS
					 policies and procedures and related documents will be performed at least
					 annually, or as often as necessary, and revised accordingly to ensure
					 compliance with applicable State and Federal Rules and Laws, practice
					 Standards, judicial mandates, managerial decisions and directives.
					 (
See
DFCS Policy Flow Chart on the DFCS Connection
					 Website/policy).
c) When
					 new/revised policies and procedures, protocols, manuals or other
					 practice-related documents are implemented, Directors/Supervisors or their
					 designees must provide instruction, interpretation and /or training on those
					 practice documents that are relevant to an employee's position and/or job
					 duties. When new or revised policy has been released to all DFCS staff,
					 documentation via the Policy Acknowledgment form (
See
DFCS
					 Connection Website/ Forms/ Section A) must be maintained in each county office
					 indicating the date policy was reviewed and all DFCS staff signatures.
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-A - Administration › Subpart I - ADMINISTRATION › Section 18-6-1-A-I-VIII - RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Current through June 25, 2024
The Resource Development Unit was developed to enhance
						the delivery of an adequate array of services in the state through maximizing
						the use of existing services and coordinating the development of new services
						through contracts, collaboration with other agencies and service providers, and
						coordination of service/resource related work within DFCS and the state as a
						whole.
The Resource Development Unit will ensure the
						compatibility of existing services and newly created services with DFCS'
						required principles and practices.
The Resource Development Unit, through proactive planning
						and development, prepares for current and future service needs and
						implementation of the plan for efficient and effective service delivery. The
						Unit not only addresses existing service needs within DFCS units, and seeks
						services that address needs for all children and their families and works to
						make these services available and easily accessible. Other functions include
						addressing issues related to service provision, contracting procedures,
						protocols and practices, and the substance of services provided.
Communication and collaboration are keys to reaching the
						success desired for all children and their families.
DFCS Regions are responsible for establishing a strategic
						plan to improve service delivery to DFCS clients. The primary goal is
						connecting people to resources for the purpose of helping children and families
						achieve success.
The Resource Development Unit will collaborate with the
						regions in efforts to strategically increase service delivery in each Region.
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-A - Administration › Subpart I - ADMINISTRATION › Section 18-6-1-A-I-XIV - FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Financial
					 Management
DFCS strives to ensure that all financial practices
						achieve operational effectiveness, efficiency, accurate reliable financial
						reporting, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
B.
Division of Family and
					 Children's Financial Responsibilities
a. DFCS works in collaboration with the
					 Division of Budgets and Accounting to propose an annual budget and any
					 revisions to that budget,
b.
					 reviews fiscal summaries at least quarterly to evaluate expenditures against
					 revenues,
c. ensures that
					 budget-to-actual variance analyses are performed after year end numbers are
					 finalized,
d. reviews fiscal
					 policy and the recommendations of the organization's auditors and
e. annually evaluates the executive directors
					 management of the organization's fiscal affairs.
These responsibilities extend beyond the State Office and
						into the county financial responsibilities. These responsibilities include
						utilizing the county bookkeeping system through MACWIS and the County Clerical
						Handbook (
See
County Clerical Handbook). The only
						transactions to be processed through this system will be DFCS funds that are
						received and disbursed. The purpose of the clerical handbook is to provide
						clerical and management staff a guide for the county bookkeeping system. This
						guide includes bookkeeping, purchasing, and property procedures.
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-A - Administration › Subpart I - ADMINISTRATION › Section 18-6-1-A-I-XVII - RISK PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Risk
					 Management
Risk Management is a systematic process of evaluating and
						reducing potential risks that may befall personnel, clients, an organization,
						or a facility. Risk management activities are directed toward reducing an
						organization's legal and financial exposure, especially to lawsuits.
Individuals responsible for risk prevention and
						management functions shall be qualified by knowledge and experience to assess
						and manage risks, which include the Executive Director of MDHS, Deputy
						Executive Director of MDHS, and Internal Control Coordinator for MDHS.
DFCS shall be adequately insured under the umbrella of
						MDHS. The MDHS shall annually assess insurance needs, and obtain coverage that
						is commensurate with the scope and complexity of its services:
a. general liability;
b. Workers' compensation;
c. disability;
d. fire and theft;
e. medical;
f. indemnification
g. professional liability
h. officers' and directors' liability
i. automobile liability;
j. property and casualty;
k. malpractice; and
l. bonding or other forms of employee theft
					 insurance, as appropriate, for all staff who sign checks, handle cash or
					 contributions, or manage funds
DFCS provides, and assumes the cost of, legal assistance
						to personnel against whom claims are made related to lawful, authorized actions
						taken within the course and scope of their duties through the Attorney
						General's Office, Civil Litigation, depending on the act and through the
						Mississippi Tort Claims Board.
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-A - Administration › Subpart II - SERVICE DELIVERY › Section 18-6-1-A-II-II - COMPLAINTS

Current through June 25, 2024
A complaint is an expression of pain, dissatisfaction, or
						resentment. A complaint can be the basis for filing a formal grievance, but not
						all complaints will be handled in a formal way. Many clients may choose to
						express complaints to the Worker or supervisor without filing a formal
						grievance.
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-A - Administration › Subpart II - SERVICE DELIVERY › Section 18-6-1-A-II-IV - APPEALS

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Overview
The DFCS provides individuals who disagree with DFCS
						findings or decisions covered under this policy, a right to appeal the
						decision. An administrative process has been implemented to offer a fair,
						impartial, timely and accessible hearing to all persons entitled to this
						process.
There are three types of appeal hearings conducted:
1) Administrative Hearing for any
					 unresolved formal grievance;
2)
					 Administrative Hearing which is afforded to an individual whose name has been
					 placed into the MS Child Abuse Central Registry as a perpetrator of child abuse
					 or neglect or has a substantiated report of abuse or neglect against them; or
3) Administrative Hearing which is
					 afforded to foster parents, foster parent applicants, or licensed facility
					 providers in the event that an application for licensure or renewal of a
					 license is denied, or a license is suspended, revoked, an application for
					 adoption is denied, or an adoption case is closed, or there is an adverse
					 decision for an applicant or recipient of adoption assistance.
Any decision that is made by the Youth Court
						cannot be appealed through an Administrative Hearing. For example, a client may
						not appeal the decision for a child to be placed in the custody of the
						Department of Human Services as this decision was made by the Youth Court and
						must be appealed through the Youth Court procedures.
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-A - Administration › Subpart II - SERVICE DELIVERY › Section 18-6-1-A-II-V - TRAINING AND SUPERVISION

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Introduction
DFCS PDU is responsible for providing a comprehensive,
						family centered child welfare training program for all DFCS staff to prepare
						them to assume their job responsibilities and enable them to enhance their
						knowledge, skills and abilities. At a minimum, all DFCS employees shall receive
						orientation and pre-service training.
Training needs of DFCS staff are identified through
						regular review of evaluations of training sessions completed by participants,
						suggestions from state office program staff and senior management, review of
						reports which reflect Worker performance related to certain critical areas of
						practice and an annual survey of all DFCS employees to provide feedback about
						job satisfaction and training needs.
Official training records of each DFCS employee are
						maintained by the PDU in a database file during the employee's tenure with
						DFCS. All training courses offered by the PDU shall be recorded in the database
						file by PDU staff. If an employee attends a training course outside the DFCS,
						the employee is responsible for providing written verification of completion of
						the course for entry into the Training Record.
DFCS -PDU is also responsible for Workforce Development
						and works closely with the accredited schools of social work in the state to
						recruit professional staff.
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-A - Administration › Subpart II - SERVICE DELIVERY › Section 18-6-1-A-II-VI - TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR NEWLY HIRED EMPLOYEES

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Direct Service Workers/Clerical
					 Staff
All newly employed direct service staff and supervisors
						shall receive a minimum of 270 hours of pre-service training, including
						instructional training and supervised field training, prior to assuming
						responsibility for cases.
The Worker's immediate supervisor is responsible for the
						initial orientation, field training, and assisting the Worker in the transfer
						of learning to the job. On the date the new employee reports to work, the
						supervisor shall ensure the new Worker is provided with the following items:
1. The State Personnel Board Employee
					 Handbook
2. The New Hire Field
					 Instruction Training Manual
3. A
					 complete and current DFCS policy manual.
Exceptions:
1) If the new employee is being re-hired with
					 DFCS, previously completed the pre-service training, and is returning to the
					 DFCS within 12 months of leaving, the pre-service training can be waived.
2) If the new employee is being
					 re-hired with DFCS, but has been gone for more than 12 months, the pre-service
					 training must be completed unless an exception is granted by DFCS Deputy
					 Director, based on education and experience.
3) All clerical staff shall complete two days
					 of Finance/Clerical training.
All requests for waivers/exceptions shall be
						directed to the Director of the Professional Development Unit.
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-A - Administration › Subpart II - SERVICE DELIVERY › Section 18-6-1-A-II-VIII - TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR SUPERVISORS

Current through June 25, 2024
All supervisors hired or promoted by DFCS shall complete
						a minimum of 40 hours of pre-service instructional supervisory training before
						they can assume supervisory responsibilities.
In addition to the 40 hours of Clinical Supervisory
						Training, Mentoring (Level I) and Level II Clinical Supervisory Training are
						also a part of the supervisory tract.
Supervisors shall receive a minimum of 24 hours annual
						on-going, in-service training.
A.
Mentoring -
Upon the completion of the 40 hour supervisory
					 training those employees who will begin serving in a permanent supervisor
					 position will be assigned a mentor to provide one-on-one comprehensive
					 long-term training, to provide guidance and coaching to the new supervisor the
					 first 12 months in the position. The mentor will work through the Level I
					 Clinical Supervisory Training with the supervisor.
* The mentor shall meet with the new supervisor weekly
						for 24 weeks.
* All new ASWSs shall complete Mentoring Training within
						twelve months of assuming the position of supervisor.
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-A - Administration › Subpart II - SERVICE DELIVERY › Section 18-6-1-A-II-X - PROFESSIONAL ENHANCEMENT SCHOLARSHIP

Current through June 25, 2024
Information regarding the eligibility criteria for the
						DFCS scholarship program is located on the DFCS Connection Web under
						Professional Development
http://dfcsmacweb/DFCSWEB/index.htm
.
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-A - Administration › Subpart II - SERVICE DELIVERY › Section 18-6-1-A-II-XI - NOTICE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN'S RIGHTS

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Investigations
You have rights and responsibilities while you are
						involved with DFCS during an open investigation. The normal hours of operation
						for DFCS are 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding state
						holidays. In case of emergencies, contact may be made after hours, weekends,
						and/or on state holidays at 1-800-222-8000.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT
						TO:
1. Know what
					 has been reported to the DFCS about your family.
2. Be informed that a Worker has spoken to
					 your child.
3. Help from your
					 Worker in correcting any problems discovered during the investigation.
4. Have office phone numbers and
					 office addresses for your Worker and your Worker's supervisor.
5. Participate in any court hearings which
					 may result from the investigation.
6. Know the outcome of the investigation.
7. Have your Native American
					 (Indian) ancestry recognized and respected. We will tell the Bureau of Indian
					 Affairs about our involvement with your family and follow the tribe's decisions
					 for handling your investigation.
8. Be treated with dignity and respect and
					 receive services without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national
					 origin, sex, disability, or political affiliation.
YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILTY
						TO:
1. Provide full
					 names, dates of birth, social security numbers for household members and other
					 necessary information requested by your Worker.
2. Cooperate with your Worker and participate
					 in service decisions.
3. Ask for
					 and be a part of all Family Team Meetings.
4. Give to your Worker the names, phone
					 numbers, and addresses of your relatives who may be able to care for your child
					 if necessary.
5. Give your Worker
					 all requested medical and educational information about your child.
6. Pay the cost or part of the cost of some
					 elements of the investigation (such as paying for a drug screen or a medical
					 exam) if requested
.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
Your family's information is confidential and private. We
						will not disclose any information without your written permission or by order
						of the court. However, information may be shared with law enforcement or the
						Office of the District Attorney without your written permission. We may contact
						other people to assess the safety of your child.
Confidentiality laws additionally limit the information
						we can share with you. We are not able to name the reporter in any
						investigation, tell you what anyone else said, or give you a copy of any
						investigation.
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-A - Administration › Subpart II - SERVICE DELIVERY › Section 18-6-1-A-II-XV - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-A-II-XV-A

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-A - Administration › Subpart II - SERVICE DELIVERY › Section 18-6-1-A-II-XV - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-A-II-XV-B - MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF HUMANS SERVICES DIVISION OF 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-B - INTAKE & ASSESSMENT › Section 18-6-1-B-IV - APPENDICES › Appendix 18-6-1-B-IV-B - BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS OF ABUSE

Current through June 25, 2024
Form DFCS 506
Revised 02/2011
Preadolescent :
1. Stylized behavior, excessive seductiveness
2. Unusual interest in sex organs of self or others
						(either children or adults)
3. Fearful or suspicious of adults
4. Tugging at clothing in genital area
5. Tired, lethargic, sleepy appearance
6. Regressive behaviors: such as whining, negative
						changes in toilet habits
7. Persistent fears or overwhelming nightmares
8. Blaming or dislike of self
9. Change in school grades
10. Public or excessive masturbation
11. Developmental delays
12. Child is perceived and/or treated by parent as
						"bad," unusual, and/or different
13. Behavioral extremes (e.g. extremely aggressive or
						passive; persistent crying)
14. Child assumes parental role (i.e., caretaker of one
						or both parents and/or siblings beyond normal "role playing "for child's age)
15. Lack of peer interaction
16. Threatens or attempts suicide
17. Psychosomatic illness
Adolescent:
1. Stylized behavior, excessively provocative beyond the
						norm for the child
1. Shy, withdrawn, overburdened appearance
2. Change in school grades
3. Running away
4. Self-destructive behavior
5. Substance abuse that is more experimental
6. Unwillingness to participate in group activities
7. Stealing; shoplifting
8. Pregnancy wishes
9. Prostitution
10. Fear or distrust of men, adults
11. Statements about being "bad" or "undesirable"
12. Way of/avoidance of physical contact
13. Excessive longing for affection
14. Child assumes parental role or role as spouse of
						parent (i.e., care giving of one or both parents and/or siblings beyond normal
						"role playing" for child's age)
15. Reluctance to change clothes for gym class
16. Lack of peer interaction
17. Threatens or attempts suicide
18. Psychosomatic illness
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-C - Prevention/Protection & In-Home Services Policy › Section 18-6-1-C-I - Overview of Prevention and Protection/In-Home Services

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.
Introduction
The purpose of Prevention and Protection Services is to
					 enable a child to remain safely at home with family. Prevention Services and
					 In-Home Protection Services are services provided to families for whom the
					 determination has been made that a child is unsafe or that an unacceptable
					 level of risk of harm to a child is present within the context of the family.
1.
Outcomes of Prevention and
				  Protection Policy
The merit of policy is judged by the degree to which its
					 subjects experience the intended outcomes of that policy, not by the extent to
					 which the requirements of policy are applied. The success of a policy directed
					 toward families and children can only be determined by the impact of that
					 policy felt by the family and the child, which include the achievement of
					 desirable outcomes for the family, but also in the effect on the family and the
					 child by the process, and the means by which those outcomes are achieved.
Family-Centered Practice supports the sanctity of the
					 family unit, while recognizing that every child and every family is unique.
					 Consequently, the application of policy in developing and implementing
					 strategies of Prevention and Protection must be individualized to address the
					 unique needs of each family and child.
Family-Centered Practice policy cannot and will not be
					 effective, and desirable outcomes for children will not be achieved without
					 steadfast faithfulness to the principles and viewpoint that:
* Children belong with their families;
* The family of a child is an integral and essential facet
					 of the child's life and existence upon which the child's well-being, safety and
					 security, permanency and stability, health, and happiness are dependent;
* The child and family are one entity; and
* When abuse, neglect, or maltreatment to a child occurs
					 within a family, the victim is the family unit as a whole.
For Prevention and Protection services to be effective in
					 achieving the desired outcomes, a full and unwavering commitment by the Worker
					 and supervisor to the principles of Family-Centered Practice must be clear and
					 evident in every aspect of service planning and provision.