As Amended
SEC. 43-27-203. Youth Challenge Program; implementation and administration of program by National Guard.
(1) There is created under the Mississippi National Guard a program to be known as the "Youth Challenge Program." The program shall be an interdiction program designed for children determined to be "at risk" by the National Guard.
(2) The Mississippi National Guard shall implement and administer the Youth Challenge Program, and rules and regulations concerning the administration of the program shall be promulgated. The National Guard shall prepare written guidelines concerning the nomination and selection process of participants in the program, and such guidelines shall include a list of the factors considered in the selection process.
(3) Participation in the Youth Challenge Program shall be on a voluntary basis. No child may be sentenced by any court to participate in the program; however, a youth court judge may refer the program to a child when, under his determination, such program would be sufficient to meet the needs of the child.
(4) The Mississippi National Guard may accept any available funds that may be used to defray the expenses of the program, including, but not limited to, federal funding, public or private funds and any funds that may be appropriated by the Legislature for that purpose.
SOURCES: Laws 1994, ch. 652, Sec. 2, eff from and after passage (approved April 8, 1994)