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Press Releases
Flood Victims: Pre-Register Before Going to a D-SNAP Site
March 20, 2016
03.20.16 - Flood victims should pre-register before going to disaster food assistance sites to apply for aid. Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) officials are urging those impacted by the floods to help speed the aid application process by pre-registering online at www.dcfs.la.gov/dsnap or calling the toll-free helpline at 1-888-LAHELP-U (1-888-524-3578), which is now open between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
DCFS Announces DSNAP Locations for 23 Disaster Parishes
March 17, 2016
03.17.16 - The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) today announced where residents of 23 parishes under a federal disaster declaration can finalize applications for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) benefits.
DCFS Announces Schedule for DSNAP Sites
March 17, 2016
03.17.16 - The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has requested Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) benefits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service for the 23 parishes covered by the federal disaster declaration.
Louisiana Residents Encouraged to Pre-Register for Disaster SNAP Benefits
March 14, 2016
03.14.16 -The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is encouraging those who have experienced loss or damage in the severe storms and flooding to pre-register for benefits under the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP).
Child Support Clients Receive New Direct Payment Cards, Urged to Activate
January 22, 2016
01.22.16 -The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has contracted with a new bank to serve as the direct payment card vendor for Child Support Enforcement (CSE) customers. New cards were mailed to customers who do not have child support payments deposited into personal bank accounts. These cards must be activated in order to receive payments.
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.