DCFS Holds Roundtable with National and State Leaders and Legislators to Discuss Child Welfare Changes

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Rebecca Harris led a discussion between national experts, national and state leaders, and members of the Louisiana Legislature on the current state of Child Welfare and to collaborate on needed reforms.

“It is clear with the many discussions around Child Welfare and needed reforms that we all want what is best for Louisiana’s children. This roundtable was held to bring everyone together, along with experts from across the country, so that we can coordinate efforts, align goals, and agree on the path forward,” said DCFS Secretary Harris.

National experts present included Dr. David Sanders, executive vice president of systems improvement for Casey Family Programs and chair for Congress’ Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities, Dr. Alex Mayer, former head of the West Virginia Department of Human Services, and Cody Cathey, technology lead for the Administration for Children and Families.

Louisiana Senators Regina Barrow and Beth Mizell, along with Julie Emerson, Governor Landry’s chief of staff, also attended.

After a brief overview of current program challenges and data, the group discussed opportunities to strengthen Child Welfare, taking into consideration outcomes from other states and using guidance from the national experts.

Key discussion points included improved and sustained communication between all systems involved in a child’s well-being, transparency, and understanding the most at-risk populations.

DCFS leadership remains committed to child safety, stabilizing families, and collaborating with our partners.