Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services

10/08/2026

Monday’s ribbon cutting was a huge milestone for Mississippi children and families!

Commissioner Sanders joined our partners to celebrate the expansion of the Canopy CARES Center in Jackson. Every child deserves the opportunity to heal and thrive, and this expansion creates an intentional environment designed to help young people facing complex challenges find stability and hope.

Thank you to Dr. John Damon and the Canopy Children's Solutions team, Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann, Representative Sam Creekmore IV for Mississippi District 14 Representative, Mayor John Horhn, Director Wendy Bailey and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, our dedicated MDCPS team on site, and every leader, clinician, advocate, and partner across Mississippi whose heart and dedication helped bring this vision to life.

08/31/2026

At MDCPS, our mission includes walking alongside older youth in care and beyond as they take steps toward bright, independent futures. The 2026-2027 ETV Enrollment Form is officially open to provide vital financial assistance for higher education and career training.

Eligible youth who were in CPS custody at age 16 or older and are attending college or job training programs this semester can receive funding for education costs, books, and living expenses. Please submit your completed form along with your class schedule, financial aid award letter, and tuition invoice by September 15th so our team can approve your funding without delay.

Access and submit the enrollment form here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019f8faefed874f3b3721139f79a9ad5

08/26/2026

Commissioner Sanders joined Gerard Gibert on MidDays with Gerard Gibert today to discuss recent agency updates, workforce development, and our vital partnerships across the state.

Commissioner Sanders also highlighted the heartbeat of our agency: our frontline social workers, who take on what is truly one of the hardest jobs in government every single day. We also discussed our urgent, continuous mission to recruit dedicated foster families so we can keep Mississippi children safe, supported, and close to home.

A huge thank you to Gerard Gibert and the entire SuperTalk Mississippi team for giving us a platform and opportunity to share our mission.

Commissioner Andrea Sanders(MS Dept. of Child Protection Services) ...

08/24/2026

Child welfare is an essential mission that thrives on strong community partnership.

Today's CarePortal Community Celebration highlighted the direct impact of putting children and families first. Through CarePortal, frontline caseworkers and local churches collaborate directly to meet immediate, tangible needs that help keep families stable and safe. When our agency and local communities unite, we can wrap our arms around children and families with even greater strength and reach.

Thank you to the dedicated faith leaders from across Mississippi who joined us today. We also extend a special thank you to Trent Allen and Lifeline Children's Services for their continued partnership, as well as the team at Ever Reaching Community Outreach for providing the essential physical items that go straight to the families who need them most.

08/20/2026

We are proud to partner with the Mississippi Alliance for Child and Community Advocacy (MACCA) in the shared mission to protect and support Mississippi children and families! Our team had a wonderful time connecting with advocates, exhibitors, and community leaders at this year's leadership conference. Thank you, MACCA, for hosting such an impactful event and for your continued partnership!

08/20/2026

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT: Hope for Tomorrow Movie Screening and Resource Fair

The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services is hosting a free screening of Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot on Saturday, August 29th, in Biloxi.

Following the film, stay for a panel discussion featuring local resource providers working to support children and families across Mississippi.

When: Saturday, August 29th from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Where: Army KROC Salvation Army Kroc Center MS Gulf Coast (575 Division St., Biloxi, MS 39532)

Free admission, popcorn, and drinks!

We extend a sincere thank you to the Kroc Center MS Gulf Coast for hosting this event, as well as our community partners: Prepare HER Now, WIC, and the MS LIFT Resource & Referral Network at MSU Extension.

We look forward to seeing you there!

08/06/2026

This week was all about FAITH in action, and it truly showed Mississippi at its best.

When an unprecedented demand for the FAITH Scholarship left approximately 170 foster youth facing an unexpected funding gap, Mississippi leaders, colleges, and non-profit partners stepped up immediately.

Thanks to an $800,000 commitment from the Woodward Hines Education Foundation alongside emergency support from universities and colleges across the state, every single one of these 170 scholars is heading to campus this fall with their tuition and housing secured.

Protecting our children does not end when they turn 18. Surrounding young adults transitioning out of care with educational opportunities and financial stability is essential to helping them build safe, independent futures.

Thank you to the Woodward Hines Education Foundation, Nicole Akins Boyd MS Senate District 9, Representative Bill Kinkade, Representative Donnie Scoggin, and higher education partners statewide who proved that when Mississippi works together, our youth win.

Join us in cheering on these scholars as they start a transformative school year!

07/17/2026

The passage of SB 2001 marks an important step toward creating a more consistent and transparent youth court system across Mississippi.

The decisions made in youth court have a lasting impact on the lives of children and families. A uniform court system helps ensure greater consistency in court practices and life-changing decisions, while reinforcing transparency, accountability, and due process for everyone involved—including the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services.

MDCPS appreciates Governor Reeves, Lieutenant Governor Hosemann, Speaker White, and the Legislature’s commitment to strengthening Mississippi’s child welfare system. We look forward to continuing our work alongside judges, attorneys, court staff, and community partners to ensure every child receives fair, timely, and consistent consideration as we work to protect children, support families, and encourage lasting family connections.

07/16/2026

It takes a village to protect, support, and uplift our children. Mississippi is a stronger, safer, and brighter place because of dedicated community partners who step up to make a tangible difference.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible team at EXIT Magnolia Coast Realty 228.206.0708 for organizing and hosting a highly successful luggage and supply drive. Their generosity directly benefits the children of Harrison County, ensuring that youth navigating difficult transitions are met with comfort and the essential resources they deserve.

Thank you for standing alongside us and playing an active role in safeguarding and supporting Mississippi's children.

07/03/2026