All News

DSS: Gustav Anniversary Good Reminder to Pre-apply for Disaster Food Stamps

September 01, 2009

09.01.09 - On the one year anniversary of Hurricane Gustav, Department of Children & Family Services Secretary (DSS) Kristy Nichols today reminded citizens that DSS has developed a new system to allow residents to pre-apply online or by phone for Disaster Food Stamps in order to prepare for hurricane season, save time, and avoid long waits in the event of a disaster.

DSS Selects New Leadership Advisory Board Members

August 19, 2009

08.19.09 - As part of the agency’s efforts to develop innovative solutions to improve social service delivery in Louisiana, Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Secretary Kristy Nichols today announced the members of the agency’s new Leadership Forum Advisory Board, which will advise DSS on policy, programs and efficient business practices and leadership development.

DSS Announces Improvements to Sheltering Plan

August 04, 2009

08.04.09 - The Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) today outlined operational improvements to its emergency sheltering plan and evacuee shelters such as improved medical access for evacuees, specified play areas for children, designated sleeping arrangements for families, and increased availability of hygiene stations. Louisiana's emergency plan designates DSS as the primary agency in charge of mass care, emergency assistance, mass feeding, housing and human services. This role encompasses coordinating evacuation of individuals who require assistance getting out of harm's way and coordinating and managing Critical Transportation Needs Shelters (CTNS), Medical Special Needs Shelters (MSNS) and Sex Offender Shelters.

Child Residential Facility Voluntarily Relinquishes License

July 31, 2009

07.31.09 - The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) today received the voluntary relinquishment of the child residential license from Jackson Avenue Group Home in New Orleans after 14 deficiencies were found upon inspection of the home since June 2009.

DSS Reports on Strategic Investments in Promoting Self-Sufficiency

July 29, 2009

07.29.09 - Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) today released a framework, titled "Promoting Self-Sufficiency" for how the agency will make strategic investments to help families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency by providing stability, workforce development and tools for independence.

DSS Collaboration Leads to Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

July 23, 2009

07.23.09 - More than two dozen disabled Louisianians have started new careers though a three-month collaboration between the Department of Children & Family Services’ (DSS) Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) and PRIDE Industries to fill contract jobs at Fort Polk.

DSS Seeks Nominees for Leadership Forum Advisory Board

July 23, 2009

07.22.09 - Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Secretary Kristy Nichols today announced a call for nominations for the agency’s Leadership Forum Advisory Board, which will serve an important role in a series of new initiatives designed to cultivate a culture of leadership and innovation in social service delivery.

DSS Support Enforcement Executive Director to Lead National Organization

July 23, 2009

07.23.09 - The Executive Director of the Department of Children & Family Services’ (DSS) Support Enforcement Services (SES) has been elected to lead a national organization of child support directors. Robbie Endris will serve as president of the National Council of Child Support Directors (NCCSD) for the 2009-2010 term, which begins October 1. Endris was elected during the organization’s annual meeting, held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in June. She served as the NCCSD Vice-President in 2008-2009.

DSS Encouraged by USDA Comments on the use of Food Stamps at Farmer’s Markets

July 20, 2009

07.20.09 - Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Secretary Kristy Nichols was encouraged by comments made today by United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or Food Stamps, to purchase fresh, local produce at area farmer’s markets.

Safe Haven Television Commercial Begins Statewide Run

July 14, 2009

07.14.090 - A television commercial promoting Louisiana’s Safe Haven law begins airing across the state today on network and cable stations. The commercials reiterate that, through the Safe Haven law, parents who choose not to use an adoption agency and feel they cannot care for their newborn can relinquish the baby up to 31-days-old at any hospital, police or fire station with no questions asked.