Press Releases

Department of Children & Family Services Launches Redesigned Web Site

December 29, 2008

12.29.08 - The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services recently redesigned and launched its Web site featuring a new user-friendly design, a new agency logo, updated information and easy-to-use links to DSS services.

Holiday Cheer Spread by Local Offices of DSS

December 24, 2008

12.24.08 - More than 180 employees from the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services along with the Governor’s Office collected toys and gifts to make this holiday season brighter for more than 140 children in the Baton Rouge area. This is one example of the way DSS employees across the state have partnered with other social service agencies to spread holiday cheer.

DSS Releases Internal Audit Findings

December 16, 2008

12.16.08 - The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) today released the findings of a 90-day internal audit that recommends the agency realign processes and programs, integrate service delivery and modernize business and information technology.

Statewide Child Support Round Up Hailed as a Success

December 15, 2008

12.15.08 - The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services collected or accounted for more than $122,000 in child support payments during an annual one-day round up of parents chronically delinquent in meeting their child support obligations. A total of 97 arrests yielded $85,252.56 in payments. Another two cases totaling $36,979.88 were able to be closed.

Governor Jindal Names Kristy Nichols DSS Secretary

December 10, 2008

12.10.08 - Today, Governor Bobby Jindal named Interim Director of Social Services Kristy Nichols as the Secretary of the Department of Children & Family Services (DSS). Nichols was appointed interim director of the agency on September 15, 2008 upon the resignation of Ann Williams. Nichols’ appointment will be effective on Monday, December 15.

Department of Children & Family Services Awards Child Care Rebuilding Grants

November 17, 2008

11.17.08 - The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services has awarded $10 million in federal grants to nine child-care providers in South Louisiana to help rebuild an industry in regions still reeling from hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Lalonde Retires After Half Century With DSS

November 13, 2008

11.13.08 - When Vivian Lalonde started her career with the Department of Children & Family Services (DSS), Office of Community Services (OCS), President Eisenhower was in office, the price of oil was $3 per barrel and the U.S. Supreme Court had just ruled that Little Rock schools should integrate. Lalonde, 69, of Arnaudville is retiring on Nov. 13 after celebrating 50 years with OCS.

USDA Denies Request for Extra Month of Disaster Food Stamp Benefits

November 12, 2008

11.12.08 - The Department of Children & Family Services today announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services had denied Louisiana’s request to issue a second month of Disaster Food Stamp benefits to residents in the following 13 parishes: Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Jefferson Davis, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Sabine, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Vernon.

DSS Ceremony Celebrates Adoptive Families, Advocates

November 07, 2008

11.07.08 - The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services kicked off November as Adoption Awareness Month in Louisiana by celebrating 433 families who made adoptive commitments to 597 children this year at the Office of Community Services' 10th Annual Adoption Reception Celebration held today at the Governor's Mansion.

DSS Announces Residential Care Reform

October 31, 2008

10.31.08 - Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Interim Secretary Kristy Nichols today announced steps that will be taken over the next 90 days to reform child residential care in Louisiana, making sure that children in these facilities are in a safe environment and that a continuity of care exists with licensed facilities.