Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services
Foster Care in Mississippi
Currently, in Mississippi, there are approximately 4,000 children in foster care. Each of them has a name, a face, a smile, and a story. Would you be willing to be a part of a child's story? These children share the need for a caring and committed family that can bring them the future they deserve. Our children need families willing to stand in the gap until they are reunited with their biological family or a plan is made for them to be adopted.
Foster parents are individuals or married couples who complete the steps to become licensed to serve as caretakers for foster children. They work with birth families and hope changes are made to allow the children to return to a safe home. Foster parents may choose to adopt the children if reunification with their families isn’t possible.
The goal for most children in foster care is to be reunited with their parents. Foster families work with birth parents to achieve this goal. The time a child will stay with you depends on many factors. It could be for a few days, months, or much longer. It is important to note that medical and dental costs are covered for children in foster care. Teens in foster care are eligible for programs to help them learn life skills and may be eligible for some college financial assistance.
Services and information
- Kinship / Relative Care
- Non Related Kin (NRKIN)
- Traditional Foster Care
- Specialized / Therapeutic Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- Adoption
Requirements to become a foster parent
There are many services on hand to support those who foster children in Mississippi. Let's take a look at what's available for caregivers:
Support Payments
In Mississippi, foster parents receive a daily board payment from the Division of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) to help pay for the foster child's board, clothing, and personal allowances. These payments vary and can be between $22.83 and $51.55, depending on the child's age, situation, and needs.
Foster children who have special needs that are not covered by their board payment or monthly allowance can receive up to $100 per month, as necessary. However, this is not a guaranteed monthly allowance and is only provided on a case-by-case basis.
Medical and Dental Coverage
Many children in foster care qualify for medical and dental Medicaid coverage.
The foster parents have the obligation to arrange and accompany the child to all medical and dental appointments. This ensures their overall health and wellness.
Training and Support Groups
Foster parents have access to extra training and support groups. These resources give a platform to foster parents and allow them to interact with others who have experience with the distinctive challenges fostering can pose.
Ratings and Reviews
Average user rating
1.9 / 55 | |
4 | |
3 | |
2 | |
1 |
Aug 29, 2023
My ex continues to call cps on me and my wife. This was the 5th compliancy check down in the last 3 years. CPS keeps allowing my ex to make false reports to harass me and my wife. All 5 times the workers say this is wasting their time.
Jul 10, 2023
Im am needing to speak to case worker TAYLOR SANDERS *Supervisor. MS SANDERS has violated my rights and i know the MCPS has codes, conducts and
Procedures that she has failed. Im needing immediate attention go this horrible act she has displaced. Please contact me asap.
May 22, 2023
literally took my children for no valid reason what so ever! My children were healthy and head food, water, lights, a home and everything.. Everyone with kids stay out of Jackson County, They find the smallest reason to take kids. Justice for my children Corrina and Carson.!!!!!
Oct 29, 2022
I was a foster child and they do nothing but put kids in mental health hospitals for no reason they don't check on you and foster parents are abusive you can't tell cps because they don't listen
Sep 01, 2022
Crooks