The purpose of this program is to strengthen and support Mississippi's adoptive and foster families

to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of the children and youth placed in their care.  No adoption from foster care can exist without a history of grief or abuse.  If the child's history of trauma and associated behaviors becomes unmanageable, our post-adoption team is here to help.  

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The Mission of Adoption Permanency Division is to provide adoptive families with support, information and skills so that the child or children remain in the home without hospitalization or an adoption disruption. 

 

Adoption Permanency Division is here to support you with:

• Case Management – assessment to determine your family’s needs & support in meeting those needs

• Crisis Stabilization – in times of crisis with your adoptive child (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

• Information & Referral – to provide information and referrals to adoption competent services as well as follow-up services

• Advocacy – to advocate for you and your adopted child

• Respite Services – planned break for resource/adoptive parents who are parenting children who have special needs and behavioral challenges.  (It isn’t just for children with special needs and behavioral challenges.)

• Educational & Peer Support Groups – A statewide network of educational and support groups to connect pre and post adoptive families.  They include information on a variety of topics of interest to your family.  The groups are by Zoom and in-person throughout the state.

• Therapy- to support children and families in long-term healing for those who have been adopted or are in the adoption process.  (Jackson location or throughout MS by Telehealth)

• International adoption - now providing additional services to include families who have adopted through international adoption 

 

Crisis, Referrals, Advocacy, or Support

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For more information please contact one of the following closest to your area:

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Jackson 

Valerie McClellan, LCSW-S, ACSW

Director of Adoption Permanency Division

4735 Old Canton Road, Suite 111

Jackson, Mississippi 39211

Office:  601.354.0983, Ext. 240

valerie@southernchristianservices.org

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Teresa Williams, LSW, MA

Senior Permanency Specialist

4735 Old Canton Road, Suite 111

Jackson, Mississippi 39211

Office:  601.354.0983, Ext. 243

teresa@southernchristianservices.org

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Gulfport 

Bianca Salazar, B.A., MSW

Permanency Specialist

11975 Seaway Road, Suite B300

Gulfport, Mississippi 39503

Office:  228.896.1128

bianca@southernchristianservices.org

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Tupelo 

Marlon Thomas, BS

Senior Permanency Specialist

2610 Traceland Dr. Suite B

Tupelo, Mississippi 38801

Office:  662.680.9191

marlon@southernchristianservices.org

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Respite Services

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For more information about receiving respite services click HERE!

For more information about being a respite provider please click HERE!

 

Contact the following for Respite Services:

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Molly Hendren, B.S.W.

Respite Coordinator (MS West)

4735 Old Canton Road, Suite 111​

Jackson, Mississippi 39211

Office:  601.354.0983, Ext. 232

molly@southernchristianservices.org

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Lauren Allen, B.S.W.

Respite Coordinator (MS East)

4735 Old Canton Road, Suite 111

Jackson, Mississippi 39211

Office: 601.354.0983 Ext. 242

lauren@southernchristianservices.org

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