WLOX report: removal of Rescue 100 licensing program, statewide foster shortages hit Harrison County hardest

The committee reviewed a WLOX investigative segment produced by reporter Jennifer Lott (Speaker 6) documenting a growing foster-care gap and the state's 2022 decision to end Rescue 100, a faith-based weekend licensing program. "Rescue 100 licensed roughly 500 foster homes in 5 years," the segment said, and the report cited state records showing "more than 3,800 children are in state custody." Participants said the state decision to move licensing in-house has hampered recruitment.

Local members said South Mississippi communities face the largest deficit with about 187 more homes needed and that Harrison County alone "leads the state with more than 250 children in state custody," according to the piece. Committee members debated remedies discussed in the report, including bolstering reimbursements and faith-based recruitment, and emphasized that support networks and better retention — not only higher payments — are required to stabilize placements.