Mississippi State University

The Mississippi State University Research Center for JJ-Trials collaborative includes the Social Science Research Center (SSRC) at MSU, the Mississippi Department of Youth Services (juvenile justice partner), and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (mental health and substance abuse treatment partner).  The SSRC is a University level center and has provided state agencies research support in the areas of crime and health, delinquency, substance abuse and mental disorders and STD/HIV risk behavior and interventions. Dr. Angela A. Robertson, (PI) is the Associate Director of the SSRC. The Department of Youth Services (DYS) administers the community services and institutional programs for juveniles who have been adjudicated delinquent in Mississippi Youth Courts or who are at risk of becoming delinquent. DYS provides professional counseling, probation supervision, and related services to children in their home communities, as well as education, rehabilitation, and treatment services to children committed to institutional care. The Director of DYS is Mr. James Maccarone. The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (MDMH) administers the public system of alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment services through its Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Services. The Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Services is responsible for establishing, maintaining, monitoring, and evaluating a statewide system of public sector alcohol and drug abuse services. The Department of Mental Health also administers public mental health services for children and youth with serious emotional disorders and their families through the Division of Children and Youth Services (Bureau of Community Services).  Mr. Mark Stovall is the Clinical Services Coordinator for the Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Ms. Sandra Parks in the Director of MDMH Division of Children and Youth Services.