Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services

This State Plan on Aging for the Mississippi Division of Aging and Adult Services guides the administration of Older Americans Act programs and related aging services for SFY 2027-2030. Developed through extensive community engagement, it addresses the needs of a rapidly growing older population, particularly in rural and minority areas, amid increasing demand for home and community-based services, caregiver support, and protection against abuse. The plan is structured around five strategic goals: strengthening core OAA programs; improving outcomes for individuals with the greatest social and economic needs; expanding access to home and community-based services and navigation; reinforcing support for family caregivers; and protecting the rights and safety of older adults. It aims to achieve measurable outcomes such as increased service utilization, reduced disparities, and enhanced elder protections, fostering a coordinated, person-centered framework for healthy, safe, and independent living.

This document serves as a comprehensive manual outlining the policies and procedures for the Mississippi State Unit on Aging (SUA) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), governing programs under the Older Americans Act (OAA). It covers administrative functions, planning and service provision, fiscal management, and monitoring processes. Key areas include the designation and oversight of AAAs, corrective action plans, conflict of interest protocols, emergency preparedness, and the delivery of supportive services, nutrition services, and caregiver support. The manual aims to ensure effective, accountable, and coordinated service delivery to older adults and family caregivers across Mississippi, with a focus on addressing the needs of priority populations such as low-income, minority, and rural individuals, and those with the greatest economic and social need.

This State Plan outlines the Mississippi Department of Human Services' vision to empower families towards self-sufficiency and build Mississippi's economy by providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients with skill-building, training, and education opportunities. Key initiatives include operating a mandatory Employment and Training (E&T) program for non-exempt Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs), expanding the Skills2Work partner network, and improving administrative efficiency through a new case management system. The plan emphasizes coordination with the statewide workforce development system and Indian Tribal Organizations.

This 2020 Annual Report from the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services, details the operations and statistical data for the Mississippi Juvenile Justice System. The overarching purpose is to promote rehabilitation and successful reintegration of youth into their communities, alongside maintaining public safety. Key strategic goals for community services include ensuring accountability, competency development, and community safety through quality services; assessing the effectiveness of community-based programs; establishing multi-agency partnerships; and standardizing DYS services and case management practices. For institutional programs, the goals are focused on providing rehabilitative services to at-risk youth, promoting public safety, reducing recidivism, and addressing criminogenic factors causing delinquent behavior. The report aims to highlight specific trends to aid the state in reducing youth involvement in the juvenile justice system.

The public hearing was held to gather comments on the proposed changes to the Mississippi Child Care Payment Program policy manual. Key issues discussed included the need for increased revenue for the CCPP, the impact of the loss of certificates in 2025, and recommendations for prioritizing services for teen parents and victims of domestic violence. Other topics included the redetermination process, documentation requirements, and the mandatory participation in the elevate/QSS system.