For Foster & Adoptive Parents

Foster Parent Resources

Foster Parent Resources

Foster Care Board Payments

The Mississippi Way2Go Card® is a prepaid card issued by Comerica Bank. The Mississippi Way2Go Card® is an electronic method for receiving your adoption subsidy and foster care board payment. TANF and child support payments may be issued on this card as well. MDCPS will electronically deposit your payments onto a Way2Go Card® for you. Use the Mississippi Way2Go Card® mobile app, visit the GO Program® website, or call Way2Go Card® Customer Service at 1-855-709-1079 to activate your card and create your PIN. Be sure to have your card handy to set up your new account. You can access the Mississippi Way2Go Card® activation instructions and FAQs below for additional assistance.

Download a PDF of Way2Go Card® Activation Instructions

Download a PDF of Way2Go Card® FAQs

Resource Homes Monthly E-Payment Deposits (RHEPD)

The web application in the link below will allow the primary caretaker for the resource home (foster and adoption) to sign on and see the monthly payment amount deposited to their Way2Go Card® account on the 15th of each month.

Open MDCPS Resource Payment Database

Resource Parent Board Schedule

MDCPS provides a document of the most recent resource board payment schedule.

Download Resource Board Payment Schedule Document

Above and Beyond Survey

When one of our staff goes above and beyond for your family or the children placed in your home, please let us know about it using the link below. We want to be sure to recognize our staff members when they make an impression on you. 

Open Above and Beyond Survey on Smartsheet

Foster Parent Newsletter

MDCPS monthly Foster Parent Newsletters provide information on upcoming events, updates to policy and procedure, and the monthly support group listing. This is one way that MDCPS communicates valuable information to our foster parents.    

If you would like to receive the Foster Parent Newsletter, you can sign up through our Smartsteet form. If you would like to learn more about starting a support group in your area, please email Foster Parent Support for more information.   

Foster Parent Support Group Listings

Every month, foster parent support groups meet all over the state, including a virtual option. If you would like to add a support group to the list, please email our Foster Parent Recruitment team. Click the link below to see the full list of foster parent support groups.

Open the February 2026 Support Groups PDF

Foster Parents' Bill of Rights

As a foster parent, you have certain rights.

  • A clear understanding of your role while providing care and the roles of the birth parent(s) and the placement agency with respect to the child in your care.
  • The opportunity to develop confidence in making day-to-day decisions in regard to the child.
  • The opportunity to learn and grow in your vocation through planned education in caring for the child.
  • Respect, consideration, trust, and value as a family who is making an important contribution to CPS’ objectives.

The Foster Parents' Bill of Rights, which was adopted during the 2023 Mississippi Legislative Session, provides an outline of the rights and responsibilities of foster families. Please click the link below for the full document.  

Download Mississippi Foster Parents' Bill of Rights and Responsibilities PDF

Foster Parent Grievance Policy

Foster parents are vital to the work we do to support Mississippi’s children. MDCPS strives to provide information, resources, and guidance to all foster families. Should you have concerns regarding the rights afforded under the Foster Parents’ Bill of Rights, please complete the grievance form so that our team can assist your family and address your concerns.

Helpful Resources

Foster Parent College

FosterParentCollege.com® (FPC) provides innovative, interactive online courses for foster, adoptive, and kinship parents. Their self-paced training is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. FPC training is recognized by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare, based on studies of FPC courses that have been published in peer-reviewed journals.

Visit FPC Website

Children's Bureau

As part of its centennial celebration, the Children's Bureau researched and produced a history of its first 100 years. The resulting e-book combines compelling text with striking historical images to tell the story of a small Federal agency that took on some of the most devastating social problems of the time, including high infant mortality, child labor, and child abuse and neglect. The e-book puts this history in the context of changing world events and social movements. It also offers a look at some of the determined leaders who helped shape the Bureau to be what it is today--a strong advocate for America's children and families.

Open a PDF of "Ensuring the Right to Childhood" by the Children's Bureau

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a podcast that covers many helpful topics for foster parents. Click the links below to find the following podcast episodes on their website.

Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance (MAMA)

In 2023, the Mississippi State Legislature created the Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance (MAMA) program (click to view SB 2781). Administered by the Office of the Mississippi Attorney General, MAMA is a website and mobile app to connect pregnant women and new mothers with resources available in Mississippi. The list of categories and some of the services available on the website include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Health
  • Adoption
  • Food
  • Goods
  • Safety
  • Money
  • Child Care

Visit MAMA Website