Child Welfare

Child Welfare helps keep children safe, supports families through challenges, and works toward stable, permanent homes when children cannot safely remain at home.

What is Child Welfare?

Child welfare is about safety, support, and stability. While we investigate concerns about abuse or neglect, our work also focuses on prevention, early help, and connecting families to services before challenges become crises. Because every child deserves to be safe, and every family deserves the support to make that possible.

Child Protective Services (CPS) and Prevention Services

Child Protection Services (CPS) responds when there are concerns about a child’s safety and works with families to reduce risk and prevent future harm.

Adoption and Foster Parenting

Children thrive in stable, family-like environments. When home isn’t possible, we rely on families and communities to provide that care and sense of normalcy.

Happy multiethnic family with baby

Safe Haven

Parents who are unable to care for a newborn may safely and anonymously relinquish a baby under 60 days old at a designated Safe Haven location—no questions asked.

Safe Sleep

Following safe sleep practices can help reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.

Child Abuse/Neglect Background Checks

DCFS maintains records related to child abuse and neglect investigations, as required by Louisiana law. Access to information is limited and governed by state regulations (opens in a new tab) to protect privacy and safety.

young mother and children outside at sunset

Kid-Friendly Resources for Children & Families

Age-appropriate materials to help children understand their experiences and families navigate the child welfare system.