The Honorable Mills E. Barbee
County Court Judge

DeSoto County Courthouse
2535 Highway 51 South
Suite 2
Hernando, MS 38632

Mississippi

The Honorable Mills E. Barbee has served as a County and Youth Court Judge in DeSoto County, Mississippi, since July 1, 1980. A tireless and committed advocate on behalf of youth and children's issues, he has worked to influence Youth Court Law, increase the number of foster homes, as well as served as past chair of the Conference of County Court Judges. Judge Barbee has overseen the implementation of a variety of DeSoto County programs and, currently, strives to develop a Juvenile Drug Court.

Judge Barbee earned a baccalaureate degree in public administration from the University of Mississippi and a law degree from Jackson School of Law, now Mississippi College. Prior to eight years of private practice, he worked for one year as a law clerk under Justice Stokes Robinson of the Mississippi Supreme Court. The county's population has exploded since he was elected to the bench 24 years ago, but Judge Barbee continues to expect and inspire excellence from the people around him despite his heavy workload and demanding schedule. He always takes the time to assure that the needs of the county's numerous foster children are met.

A believer in the preservation of families, Judge Barbee always feels moved by "success stories" of foster children safely reunited with their families or successful adoption. Refusing accolades for his work, he directs the praise to foster parents, social workers, guardians ad litem, and others who work directly with families. Committed to fairness and the betterment of children, families, and society, Judge Barbee consistently provides leadership, advocacy, and encouragement in the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect.