Mississippi foster care met 22 of 107 court-ordered safety measures in 2025

• The six left-rated reports led on the court monitor’s findings that Mississippi met only 22 of 107 safety measures and that children in foster care experienced abuse or neglect at more than twice the acceptable rate. The Associated Press and Washington Top News quoted Marcia Lowry, the lead lawyer for the foster children, who said the report contradicts the state’s position that it has made sufficient progress.
• The Associated Press reported Lowry’s statement that the state’s claims of improvement were not matched by its actions. The outlet also detailed specific examples of alleged abuse, including cases where foster children reported physical and verbal abuse by foster parents, and where the state’s investigations found insufficient evidence despite documented concerns.

• The six centre-rated reports also led on the court monitor’s findings that Mississippi met only 22 of 107 safety measures. Washington Top News and Mississippi Today included the state’s argument that it has made progress, quoting Department Commissioner Andrea Sanders’ affidavit that policy and organisational changes had been "far reaching."
• Washington Top News reported that the state’s lawyers argued the court monitor’s report "has no bearing" on their motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The outlet also detailed the state’s failure to meet standards for timely investigations of mistreatment and required caseworker visits, as well as the placement of children under 10 in group housing.

No outlet rated right has run this story so far. We are still checking, and will say plainly if that does not change.