MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare; Appropriations

By: Senator(s) Chaney

AN ACT TO DIRECT THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO STRENGTHEN FAMILIES USING FUNDS AVAILABLE TO THE AGENCY FOR THAT PURPOSE; TO PROVIDE CERTAIN SPECIFIC SERVICE COMPONENTS OF THE PLAN; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO ENTER INTO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH CERTAIN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES TO PROVIDE SUCH SERVICES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. The Department of Human Services is authorized and directed to develop a plan for investing in programs and services to strengthen families using funds available to the agency for these purposes. Specifically included in the plan will be strategies for expanding the agency's Families First family resource program to all counties, expanding the range of services provided through Families First by either establishing new service components or developing linkages with (a) local school district parental assistance centers, (b) Head Start programs, (c) community-based child care providers, (d) the Cooperative Extension Service and/or (e) privately operated state or local programs that provide related services to the targeted population.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.