Bill > HB473

This bill requires the Department of Child Protection Services to establish a transition-aged youth aftercare housing program designed to support young adults who were previously in foster care. Specifically, the program will serve individuals aged 18 through 24 who were in the department's custody at or after age 16 and meet the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agency's criteria for being homeless or at risk of homelessness. The program will provide emergency housing and supportive services to help these young adults maintain stable housing. The department is mandated to create program rules, dedicate annual funds, and ensure all services are administered without discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status. To fund the program, the department may use state funds to leverage federal funding sources, including Title IV-E funding from the Administration for Children and Families, the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, and HUD resources. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, providing a clear timeline for implementation of this supportive housing initiative.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0473.xml