Proposal would fund youth services and secured youth facilities

The Department of Human Services would receive up to $12 million for Oakley Youth Development Center renovations, upgrades, and expansion. The funding would cover the Oakley Youth Development Center. The money would come from the Capital Expense Fund and only from funds not otherwise appropriated. The amount spent could be less than $12 million if less is needed. The appropriation would cover the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.

The Department of Human Services would receive up to $7.5 million to establish statewide youth diversion programs. The funding would support youth diversion programs established under Section 43-21-409 across Mississippi. The money would come from the State General Fund and only from funds not otherwise appropriated. The amount spent could be less than $7.5 million if less is needed. The appropriation would cover the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.

The Department of Public Safety would receive up to $10 million for additional secured youth detention facilities. The funding would cover acquiring, renovating, leasing, planning, and designing facilities to house juveniles in North and South Mississippi. The money would come from the Capital Expense Fund and only from funds not otherwise appropriated. The amount spent could be less than $10 million if less is needed. The appropriation would cover the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.