This category covers the legal issue of child abuse and neglect, which is defined as any type of physical, psychological, or sexual harm inflicted upon a child by a caregiver, or any action or inaction that results in serious harm to a child's health, development, or wellbeing.
Child Abuse And Neglect
This information covers an overview of the risk factors, symptoms, and signs of child abuse and neglect. If you know a Louisiana child is being abused or neglected, call toll-free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 855-4LA-KIDS (855-452-5437)
Child Welfare Services in Louisiana
Child welfare services in Louisiana are provided by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). These services include foster care, adoption, family preservation, and family reunification services. They also provide services to help strengthen families, such as in-home counseling, parenting education and support, and other supportive services. DCFS also provides home visits and assessments to ensure the safety and well-being of children in Louisiana.
Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry
The Louisiana State Police, State Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry Site. This site contains registration information on convicted Sex Offenders or Child Predators in the state of Louisiana.
Child Custody and Juvenile Court Jurisdiction
When there is an open juvenile court case, a parent or guardian should know that the district court judge deciding a divorce or custody case may have limited power to make orders relating to the child who is subject to the juvenile court case. As this article explains, the juvenile court judge will still have the power to make orders relating to custody in certain kinds of cases.
Child in Need of Care Cases
The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) starts Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases when they determine that a child has experienced some form of neglect. While the goal of CINC cases is "reunification," or having the child go home, parents need to know about the CINC process and parental rights and responsibilities during the process.
Modifying or Changing Child Custody Judgments
This resource explains when the law allows a party to ask for a change in a custody judgment. It also discusses the reasons why the Court might agree to make the change and the different standards that apply to consent judgments versus considered judgments of custody.
Understanding Custody by Consent
This resource explains how a Court can approve a Consent Judgment when parents agree on the issue of custody and what the Court will consider in deciding whether to approve the agreement.
Visitation and Who Has the Right to It
Answers to some frequently asked questions about visitation.
What is Emergency Ex Parte Custody?
In some cases, there may be a need for a court order relating to child custody before the other parent or party can be heard before the Court. A custody order entered before the other party has an opportunity to respond is called "ex parte," and they are available in limited, usually emergency, circumstances.