Mississippi’s executive director of foster care, Dr. David Chandler, received a standing ovation after delivering the opening plenary address recently at the Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference. The School of Social Work – College of Public Service at Jackson State University sponsored the conference in Jackson from January 27 – 29 to provide training and networking opportunities for social workers, educators, students, and others committed to the welfare of children.
Chandler told the audience that Mississippi needs to hire more than 200 additional social workers and increase their salaries. “We need help. We need lots of help, and we’re willing to pay,” said Chandler.
Chandler gave up his seat on the Mississippi State Supreme Court to lead the state’s Division of Family and Children’s Services in December. The system could be put into receivership if it doesn’t comply with a federal court order by May 15. To make reforms, it will cost millions.
“We look forward to working with Dr. Chandler to find innovative solutions to foster care reform, and we stand ready to assist the agency with meeting its workforce goals, said Dr. Ricardo Brown, dean of the JSU College of Public Service.
Pictured (L-R, Attorney Rhonda Cooper, Dr. Ricardo Brown, dean of the College of Public Service, Standing, Dr. Chandler, Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette, provost of academic affairs)
Please click on the link below to view a photo album from the 14th Annual Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference.