The Overview
Mississippi's Oakley Youth Development Center, a state juvenile facility, is set to gain upgraded beds and expanded capacity after House Bill 2 was signed into law July 17, directing $12 million to the state's Department of Human Services.
Mississippi's foster-care system has faced scrutiny under a federal court order; a review found the state met 22 of 107 child-safety standards set by that order. Gov. Tate Reeves (R) approved House Bill 2, an appropriation for the Department of Human Services, on July 17.
What the Law Does
The law allocates $12 million to the Mississippi Department of Human Services specifically to upgrade and expand bed capacity at the Oakley Youth Development Center. The center is a state-run juvenile facility.
The Washington Post reported in August that Mississippi's foster-care system continued to fall short of safety requirements set under a federal court order. The bill originated in the House and was referred to the Appropriations Committee before passing both chambers on July 16. The law does not name a separate enforcement agency beyond the Department of Human Services, which receives and administers the funds.
Legislative Status
Rep. Kevin Horan (R) sponsored the bill as its lead sponsor. Both chambers passed the bill on July 16, and the enrolled bill was signed the following day. Gov. Reeves said the law would let the state "help youths who are able to be helped." Mississippi's foster-care system has continued to fall short of safety requirements set under a federal court order.
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