MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Education; Appropriations

By: Representatives Scott (17th), Barnett (92nd), Broomfield, Chaney, Coleman (65th), Fredericks, Markham, McElwain, Miller, Peranich, Reynolds, Shows, Simmons, Thomas, Vince, Holland

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT A PILOT PROGRAM TO ASSIST IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOAL OF FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS SHALL BE TO CREATE A BETTER LIFE FOR MISSISSIPPI FAMILIES AND CHILDREN; TO SPECIFY CERTAIN PROGRAMS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH AN APPLICATION PROCESS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PILOT PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO GIVE PRIORITY TO APPLICANTS FROM LEVELS I AND II SCHOOL DISTRICTS; TO REQUIRE APPLICANTS TO HAVE IN PLACE AN ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO USE AVAILABLE FUNDING FOR GRANTS TO PARTICIPATING FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS FOR THE PILOT PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO RECOMMEND TO THE LEGISLATURE WHETHER OR NOT THE PROGRAM SHOULD BE PERMANENTLY ESTABLISHED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) The State Department of Education, in its discretion, may develop and implement a pilot program to assist in the establishment of community-based family resource centers. The goal of the family resource centers shall be to create a better life for families and children in Mississippi, with emphasis being placed on the emotional, physical, social and mental needs of the whole family. The family resource centers shall provide parents with opportunities to voluntarily obtain support and services that will enable them to provide optimum learning environments for their children, particularly from birth to the age of three (3) years, within the home. The family resource centers shall serve to build community support networks to support children and families through the implementation of activities such as after-school tutorial programs, educational opportunities for parents, a resource library with resource and referral services, parenting classes and support groups. The family resource centers shall focus on school readiness and early literacy and shall provide developmental programs for pre-kindergarten-age children.

(2) Under the pilot program, the department shall establish a procedure for interested school districts and other nonprofit entities to apply for assistance in establishing a family resource center. In selecting school districts and nonprofit entities for the program, the department shall give priority to applicants that are school districts having Level I or II accreditation or other entities situated within school districts accredited at Level I or II. At least one (1) family resource center shall be established in each congressional district. The department shall assist program participants in developing and implementing parent education programs.

(3) As part of the application process for participation in the pilot program, applicants must demonstrate to the department that the family resource center is a collaborative undertaking of various community organizations. Each applicant must have created an advisory board for the family resource center, involving the participation of the local school district or districts, the city and county governing authorities, the county health department, regional mental health centers, representatives of the Department of Human Services and any other private or public entities participating in the partnership.

(4) The State Department of Education may accept any funds, public or private, made available to the department for the pilot program. The funds shall be used to award grants to the participating family resource centers for the support of such centers. A family resource center may use any available funding to support the administration and programs of the center.

(5) The State Department of Education shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the proper administration of this section.

(6) If the family resource center pilot program authorized by this section is implemented, the State Department of Education shall report to the Legislature, within three (3) years after the pilot program's implementation, on the desirability of expanding and permanently establishing the program.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.