Timely permanency improves outcomes for children and families. Efficient completion of relative and kin certification and a permanent plan of legal guardianship may allow for the achievement of more timely permanency for children in the Department of Children and Family … Read More
CIPCAFE
Faces Behind the Files: Lived Experience within the Child Welfare System Faces Behind the Files
The directives that states are receiving from the federal Children’s Bureau emphasize engaging persons who have lived experience with a Child in Need of Care case including parents and children or youth. Persons who have first-hand contact with the Department … Read More
The Federal Child & Family Services Review (CFSR) of Louisiana:What You Should Know About It and Why It Is Important
Louisiana is about to undergo a federal review designed to help states enhance child welfare services and improve outcomes for families and children in the areas of safety, permanency, and well-being. The Children’s Bureau, part of the U.S. Department of … Read More
Introduction To The Department Of Children And Family Services Secretary David N. Matlock
David N. Matlock was appointed Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) on January 8, 2024. Secretary Matlock previously served as Chief Judge of the Juvenile Court for Caddo Parish from 1999 until his retirement in June … Read More
Families in Need of Services(FINS): Families Learning to Help Themselves
Agenda: 12:00 – 12:30pm Informal FINS Background, Purpose, Grounds, and Examples 12:30 – 12:50pm Formal FINS Background, Purpose, Grounds, and Examples 12:50 – 1:00pm Questions and Discussion Objectives: Speakers This training is free and is designed for all judges, private adoption attorneys, … Read More
Disparities and Disproportionality in Child Welfare
Research by national organizations has consistently shown a connection between placement stability and time to permanency. Research also indicates that black children are more likely than white children to experience delays in permanency, especially with multiple placement changes during out-of-home … Read More
Legislation And Service Provision For Child Sex Trafficking Victims In Louisiana
Act 662, which went into effect on January 1st, 2023, requires all suspected and confirmed cases of child sex trafficking to be reported through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) child abuse/neglect hotline. In addition, the legislation mandates … Read More
Supporting the Educational Needs of Students in Foster Care: Laws and Services
Children and youth in foster care represent one of the most vulnerable student subgroups in the country. Studies find that children in foster care are much more likely to struggle academically and fall behind in school than their peers. As … Read More
Legislative Updates for Child Welfare Stakeholders
It is important for child welfare stakeholders to be up to date on changes to law and policy that affect Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases. The 2023 Legislative Session did not see as many changes to Louisiana Children’s … Read More
Family Time (Visitation) in Child of Need Care Cases
When appropriate for children, frequent family time can help maintain healthy connections and lessen the negative impact of separation for both the child and the family. The phrase “family time” is utilized based on the premise that the term “visitation” … Read More