Press Releases

DCFS Child Welfare Program Receives National Reaccreditation

December 15, 2015

12.15.15 - Today, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services' Child Welfare Program received national reaccreditation. One of only five states to achieve this accolade, Louisiana's Child Welfare program has been accredited through the Council on Accreditation (COA) since 2004.

Louisiana DCFS Receives National Honor at 2015 ACF Adoption Excellence Awards

November 02, 2015

11.02.15 -Today, the federal Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF) awarded the Louisiana Department of Children and Families Services (DCFS) one of only ten 2015 Adoption Excellence Awards as part of a kick-off to National Adoption Month. DCFS' honor in the area of Child Welfare Systemic Change recognizes the Department's exceptional work in finding permanent homes for children in foster care.

Changes Coming to Child Support Direct Payment Card Clients

October 02, 2015

10.02.15 - The State of Louisiana is transitioning to a new Stored Value Card for Child Support clients. All child support clients are urged to immediately verify their current mailing address with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Clients are also strongly encouraged to enroll in direct deposit - a more convenient, secure, and efficient method to receive child support payments.

Changes to Food Assistance Program Effective October 1

September 30, 2015

09.30.15 - Effective October 1, those who are considered able-bodied adults without dependents must meet a minimum work requirement to qualify for SNAP benefits. They will be required to work no less than 20 hours per week or be enrolled in a federally-approved job training program. If an able-bodied adult without dependents does not meet the mandated requirement, they will only receive benefits for 3 months out of a 36-month period.

Children Left Unattended in Vehicles Risk Heatstroke, Brain Damage and Death

August 14, 2015

08.14.15 - With record breaking summer temperatures, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) reminds parents and caregivers that children are at an increased risk of hyperthermia, heat stroke and even death if left unattended in a vehicle.

DCFS Encourages Safety: Extra Caution Needed with Fireworks Around Children

July 01, 2015

07.01.15 - As family and friends celebrate this Fourth of July, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) reminds parents and caregivers to use extra caution with fireworks, especially around children. Improper handling of fireworks can cause burns and eye injuries.

DCFS Recruiting Additional Foster Families

May 11, 2015

05.11.15 - This month, more than 4,300 children will be served by Louisiana's foster care system. With just 2,000 certified foster homes available in Louisiana, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is continually looking for foster and adoptive parents to open their hearts and homes to our state's most vulnerable residents - our children.

DCFS Launches Investigation into Suspected SNAP Fraud

May 08, 2015

05.08.15 - On May 7th, nearly 500 people went to the local Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) office to apply for replacement SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) benefits as a result of April 27th's severe weather and power outages. To be eligible for replacement benefits, existing SNAP recipients were required to be without power for at least 24 hours, verified by their power provider. In Iberia Parish, according to the Louisiana Public Service Commission, only 91 customers were without power for at least 24 hours.

14 Deadbeat Parents Top List of DCFS's Most Wanted

February 03, 2015

02.03.15 - The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) today released the 2015 Louisiana Child Support Most Wanted poster. It features the names and photos of 14 non-custodial parents who owe nearly half a million dollars in past-due child support.

DCFS Commended for Child Support Collections

January 15, 2015

01.15.15 - The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has been lauded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF) for exceptional child support enforcement collections.