Announcements and News

Training becomes an essential resource for child care centers and pre-k learning collaboratives operating in a COVID-19 environment (Jackson, Miss.) – The Childcare Crisis Assistance in Isolation Response Plan (CCAIR) was initially designed at the onset of the pandemic by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) as a plan to establish temporary, safe child care options for emergency and essential personnel. Since March, it has grown into an essential resource, for child care providers, who struggle daily to care for children safely so parents can return to the [...]

(Jackson, Miss.) – The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) has dedicated more than $50 million to assist child care providers and families in need of child care in a safe, healthy environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. MDHS’ Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD) made child care providers a priority when the pandemic caused many child care centers to close. Through training and financial assistance, roughly half have reopened and others are being trained on how to operate safely during a pandemic.  MDHS worked quickly to file emergency policies that allowed for additional financial assistance to become [...]

MDHS creates Medicare University to help aging adults (Jackson, Miss.) – The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Division of Aging and Adult Services has created a unique, virtual resource to help Mississippi’s aging population better understand the Mississippi State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). Since the first Shelter in Place order came into effect as the spread of COVID-19 pandemic grew, the staff members in the Division of Aging and Adult Services understood they needed to find a way to serve a vulnerable aging population who could not go without the essential services provided by the agency. To [...]

An investigation conducted by the Division of Investigations of the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) led to the arrest today of a former employee at Oakley Youth Development Center (OYDC) for aggravated assault. Malcolm Mackey, then a Juvenile Case Worker at OYDC, is accused of using undue force against a student. After a thorough investigation, agency leadership took immediate action to initiate appropriate measures against the employees involved. If convicted, Mackey could face a penalty of up to 20 years in the State Penitentiary. “I am proud of our investigators for their diligent work in this investigation,” [...]

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, households currently receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be eligible for a supplemental benefit for August 2020.  Similar benefits were provided for certified SNAP households for the previous months.  SNAP households that have been certified based on meeting income and resource requirements are eligible to receive the supplement benefits.  These households will receive benefit supplements up to the maximum benefit amount, based on household size.  For example, the maximum benefit for a 2-person household is $355.  A 2-person household authorized to receive $200 for August will receive an additional $155, the total maximum amount [...]

(Jackson, Miss.) – Those shopping in Mississippi’s retail establishments know the impact well-trained, customer service-oriented employees have on the shopping experience. Business owners understand that well-trained employees are essential for the business to succeed. South Mississippi residents have the opportunity to earn a certificate of value in the retail sector, opening opportunities for themselves and supporting workforce development for the coastal region. Gaining the necessary skills to secure employment in the retail sector is available to South Mississippi residents thanks to a program offered by Goodwill of South Mississippi through funding provided by the Mississippi Department of Human [...]