SUMMARY: The number of families in Mississippi accepting public assistance for child care has been steadily increasing since the state implemented a near-total abortion ban. The sharpest increase occurred after a child support policy change in May. The Mississippi Department of Human Services reported 31,532 families receiving vouchers as of this month, compared to 24,500 in October 2020. The rise in enrollment poses a threat to the agency's financial resources, potentially resulting in longer waiting periods for child care assistance. Advocates argue that the prior policy deterred single mothers from applying due to fear of abuse and hindering their ability to work.

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