# Foster Care Help Resources - Mississippi ## National Resources - **National Foster Care & Adoption Directory (Child Welfare Information Gateway):** - **Phone:** 1-800-394-3366 - **Website:** [https://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad](https://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad) - **Services Provided:** Comprehensive directory of foster care and adoption resources nationwide. - **AdoptUSKids:** - **Phone:** 1-888-200-4005 - **Website:** [https://www.adoptuskids.org](https://www.adoptuskids.org/) - **Description:** Support for foster and adoptive families, including tools for navigating the system. - **National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP):** - **Phone:** 1-877-NYAP-CAN (692-7226) - **Website:** [https://www.nyap.org](https://www.nyap.org/) - **Services Provided:** Services for youth in foster care, including placement and family support. ## Statewide Foster Care Services - **Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS):** - **Phone:** 1-800-222-8000 - **Website:** [https://www.mdcps.ms.gov](https://www.mdcps.ms.gov/) - **Services Provided:** Licensing for foster parents, foster home placement, resources for foster families, and assistance for youth aging out of care. - **Mississippi Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (MFAPA):** - **Phone:** 601-359-4999 - **Website:** [https://www.mfapa.org](https://www.mfapa.org/) - **Services Provided:** Advocacy, training, and support groups for foster and adoptive parents. ## Regional Foster Care Services ### Jackson Region - **Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth** - **Phone:** 601-354-0983 - **Website:** [https://www.scscy.org](https://www.scscy.org/) - **Office Location:** 860 E. River Place, Jackson, MS 39202 - **Specialized Services:** Therapy, transitional living programs, and adoption services. ### Gulf Coast Region - **Mississippi Gulf Coast Child Advocacy Center** - **Phone:** 228-868-8686 - **Website:** [https://www.mgcac.org](https://www.mgcac.org/) - **Office Location:** 1045 Howard Ave., Biloxi, MS 39530 - **Specialized Services:** Advocacy and support for foster children, abuse prevention, and counseling. ## Reporting and Emergency Support - **Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline:** - **Phone:** 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) - **Website:** [https://www.childhelp.org](https://www.childhelp.org/) - **When to Call:** To report abuse or neglect of children in foster care. ## Online Resources - **FosterClub:** - **Website:** [https://www.fosterclub.com](https://www.fosterclub.com/) - **Features:** Forums for youth in foster care, webinars, and resources for foster parents. ## Educational Resources - **Mississippi College School of Law - Child Advocacy Program:** - **Website:** [https://law.mc.edu](https://law.mc.edu/) - **Description:** Legal resources and advocacy for foster youth and their families. ## Additional Support - **Fostering Futures Scholarship Program:** - **Phone:** 601-359-4999 - **Website:** [https://www.mfapa.org/scholarships](https://www.mfapa.org/scholarships) - **Services Provided:** Scholarships for foster youth pursuing higher education. --- _Updated as of December 2024. For corrections or additional information, please contact [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])._