Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services

The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services was created as the state’s lead child welfare agency by the 2016 Mississippi Legislature, separating it from the Mississippi Department of Human Services. In May 2016, Governor Phil Bryant signed Senate Bill 2179 establishing MDCPS as an independent agency with its commissioner serving as a member of the Governor’s cabinet. An increase in state funding from the Mississippi Legislature has enabled MDCPS to begin enhancing its infrastructure and increasing the number of social workers employed to meet the needs of children and families across the state. Dr. David Chandler was appointed as the agency’s first commissioner. Former Supreme Court Justice Jess H. Dickinson became MDCPS commissioner in September 2017. The agency has social work staff in offices in all Mississippi counties.