Child Protection Services; provide power to contract with private child placement agencies to assist with adoptions.

HB 1726 would allow Mississippi's Department of Child Protection Services (DCPS) to formally contract with licensed private child placement agencies to help with adoption services. This amendment explicitly adds the power to work with such agencies for adoption-related tasks, building on DCPS's existing authority to contract for other services. The bill directly affects DCPS and licensed private adoption agencies by clarifying their ability to collaborate on adoption programs. It does not change existing adoption processes but provides a specific legal basis for DCPS to partner with private agencies to support families seeking adoptions. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026.