Over 4,000 children in state custody across Mississippi — DeSoto County among highest
As of August 8, 2025, more than 4,000 children are in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS), according to agency data. The state is divided into seven service areas, with numbers ranging from just over 440 children in the central region to more than 700 in the southernmost counties.
Among the highest individual county totals is DeSoto County, with 137 children in custody as of late 2024. The county’s large population — nearly 185,000 residents — makes it one of the state’s busiest areas for child welfare cases.
Counties with the Highest Numbers
From the latest breakdown, several counties stand out for their high caseloads:
- Hinds County – 236 children
- Harrison County – 247 children
- Jackson County – 195 children
- DeSoto County – 137 children
- Lee County – 180 children
These areas, home to some of Mississippi’s largest populations, also face some of the steepest challenges in finding safe placements for children entering state care.
Statewide Shortages and Strain
MDCPS leaders have acknowledged that Mississippi continues to see more children entering custody than exiting, putting pressure on foster care resources. Although more than 4,000 children are in state care, there are only about 2,000 licensed foster homes. The shortage has forced the state to use hotels, short-term facilities, and newly funded temporary shelters to house children until a long-term home can be found.
DeSoto County’s Trends
Despite its high numbers, DeSoto County has shown signs of progress. Recent annual reports indicate:
- The median length of stay in foster care is just over seven months, shorter than the state average.
- More than 70% of children leaving care in DeSoto are reunified with their families, a higher success rate than many other counties.
These improvements suggest that local caseworkers, courts, and community partners are making headway in achieving quicker, permanent solutions for children, though the high number of entries into custody continues to strain resources.
Bottom Line
While DeSoto County and several other large counties have managed to improve outcomes for many children, the overall shortage of foster homes in Mississippi means thousands of children still face uncertainty. The state’s child welfare system will need sustained recruitment of foster parents, stronger preventive services, and continued investment in temporary housing to ensure every child has a safe and stable place to call home.
