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In Mississippi, approximately over 101,000 children live with grandparents or other relative caregivers. Additionally, over 48,000 grandparents reported having their grandchildren living with them.
According to the American Bar Association, Mississippi does not have any law specific to kinship care families. However, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act of 1996 requires the state to make placement with a relative the primary choice when a child must be placed into a home. In 2007 Mississippi House Bill HB-885 failed, which would have provided monthly financial assistance specific to kinship care families. Due to Mississippi’s lack of a financial assistance program specific to kinship care families, TANF is the only financial resource for children under kinship care. Both children and kinship caregivers may be eligible for TANF based on income requirements.
Mississippi does not offer a diverse range of services, support, or assistance for kinship care families. Greater advocacy and education is needed within the state to push for kinship care specific legislation and assistance.
Download the Grandparent Visitation information here (current as of 8/1/11)
