Mississippi foster care system fails to meet dozens of safety requirements, new report says
Summary
A new report shows that Mississippi’s foster care system is not meeting most safety rules and continues to put children at risk. The report found many cases of abuse, neglect, and failures to follow proper procedures, despite some small improvements.Key Facts
- Mississippi’s foster care system met only 22 out of 107 safety standards in 2025.
- Children in foster care suffered abuse or neglect at more than twice the allowed rate.
- Many children were placed in homes or facilities before checks and visits were properly completed.
- The state often undercounted how many foster children experienced abuse.
- Some improvements were seen, such as lighter caseworker workloads and fewer overcrowded foster homes.
- The report relates to a federal lawsuit, Olivia Y. v. Barbour, which claims Mississippi’s child welfare system frequently endangers children.
- Mississippi’s Department of Child Protection Services and Governor Tate Reeves want the lawsuit dismissed, saying they have made progress.
- The court is waiting for the 2025 report to consider the state’s request to end the lawsuit.
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