Mississippi Enters Second Settlement Agreement To Improve Foster Care System, Averts Receivership

On December 19, 2016, the State of Mississippi entered a second modified settlement agreement (MSA) in the long-running Olivia Y child welfare class-action lawsuit. The new agreement averts the risk of receivership for the child welfare system as long as the state meets specific objectives of a third remedial order by December 31, 2017, before the new MSA goes into effect. The remedial order directs the state to build the capacity of the newly formed Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS), such that the organization will function as an independent child welfare agency by July 1, 2018 . . .