Jackson Free Press

Second chances are rare. Mississippi gets an occasional glimpse at another chance when it convicts murders and conspirators of the horrendous crimes committed here during the Civil Rights Era. But those chances don't come nearly often enough, and at this late date, they may fail to resonate nationally as the milestones they represent in the state. Now, though, Mississippi has the opportunity to make a second chance count for the entire U.S.

This past week, Mississippi submitted a long-term plan to do right by some of its most vulnerable citizens: the children in the state's foster-care system. Under investigation for at least 15 years, Mississippi's Division of Family and Children's Services has been the subject of numerous reports—both internal and external—outlining the inadequate care given to the children. Child abuse and trauma abound in the reports, which one would expect pre-placement; after all, children typically end up in foster care because their parents are incapable of providing adequate support. But foster care is meant to ease a child's situation, not make it worse, and that, unfortunately, is exactly what the state of Mississippi has done. With ever-decreasing funding and oversight, the hurt and distressed children in the care of DFCS suffered further at the hands of their would-be rescuers.

It took a federal class-action lawsuit brought by out-of-state child advocates Children's Rights Inc. to get the state's full attention in 2004. It has taken three years to get to a place where the state is finally doing something. After conceding the fact that it had violated the children's constitutional rights last April, it will take another five years before Mississippi provides the adequate care its foster children require. At the end of the plan, 20 years will have elapsed since the first "official" report citing trouble in the system. It's too late for many of the children.

But it's an extraordinary opportunity for the state to get it right this time—an exceptional second chance that should not be squandered. Mississippi had a similar opportunity two years ago when the courts issued a decree for reform of the horrendous conditions at the state's two youth training schools, but the state is foolishly throwing away that second chance in a morass of red tape and bureaucratic insensitivity.

The foster-care system can improve, but it will take a non-wavering commitment to provide the resources and complete the tremendous amounts of work outlined in the plan. The courts have given Mississippi an extraordinary opportunity to stand as a beacon to the rest of the country in taking care of its own. We urge the governor, the Legislature and all those involved to step up to this plate with a win in mind, and not resort to business-as-usual finger pointing exercises. You've admitted you were wrong. So be it.

Now, seize the chance to make a lasting difference.