Children in Mississippi are falling through the cracks of a broken system. It has to stop.

I’m an aunt of a young boy who is experiencing emotional abuse and neglect in his home. I’ve reported this to CPS—not once, but multiple times. Two welfare checks were eventually conducted, but both times his mother was given advance notice. She cleaned the home, removed her abusive boyfriend, and coached her son on what to say. The truth was hidden, and nothing changed.

Recently, my nephew was removed from summer school for bullying—behavior he’s clearly learning from the toxic environment he lives in. And yet, the system continues to say he’s “safe” because he’s with his biological mother. But safety isn't about appearances during a scheduled visit.

This isn’t just about my nephew. It's about every child in Mississippi who is being emotionally abused, manipulated, and forgotten by a system that isn’t equipped to see the whole truth.

We demand action:

• Increase the number of trained CPS workers statewide.
• Eliminate advance notice for welfare checks when abuse is reported.
• Require multiple - unscheduled- follow-up visits, not one-and-done responses.
• Provide ongoing mental health support for at-risk children through neutral professionals.
• Strengthen training to recognize emotional and psychological abuse—especially when a child is being coached.

No child should have to suffer in silence while the adults around them game the system. Mississippi must do better. Sign this petition to stand up for our children and demand real change from those in power.