The Harrison County Blue Ribbon Committee convened on June 20, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding child welfare and protective services in the region. The meeting focused on the alarming trends in child neglect and abuse cases, particularly concerning children born to parents with substance abuse issues.

The discussion began with committee members expressing concerns about the current practices of child protective services (CPS). It was noted that children who have siblings removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect often remain in the same environment, raising significant safety concerns. Members highlighted instances where newborns were not immediately removed from homes where previous children had been taken away, despite clear indicators of risk.

A recurring theme was the inadequacy of protective service alerts, which are intended to notify hospitals about at-risk children. Committee members lamented that these alerts are no longer consistently issued, leading to potential oversights in safeguarding vulnerable infants. The conversation underscored the need for better communication and follow-up between CPS and medical facilities to ensure the safety of children born to at-risk parents.

The committee also discussed the challenges faced by grandparents and other relatives who are often placed in the position of caring for children removed from their parents. Many of these caregivers lack the necessary resources and support, leading to a cycle of neglect and abuse. The committee emphasized the need for policy changes to provide better support for these guardians, including financial assistance and mental health resources.

In response to the growing number of children born with drug exposure, the committee proposed drafting new policies aimed at addressing the needs of these infants. They suggested forming a panel of experts from medical and educational fields to develop a comprehensive plan for managing cases involving drug-exposed newborns.

The meeting concluded with a call for community involvement, inviting professionals from various sectors to contribute to the development of these policies. The committee aims to present a unified approach to child welfare that addresses the systemic issues contributing to the ongoing crisis in Harrison County.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the urgent need for reform in child protective services and the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the community. The committee plans to follow up on these discussions and work towards actionable solutions in the coming months.