News Room

News

Community Voices Become Action as DCFS Brings Foster Care Listening Tour to Lake Charles

DCFS invites Southwest Louisiana to help support children, families and foster caregivers LAKE CHARLES, La. August 7, 2026 — The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) brought its Foster Care Community Listening Tour to Lake…

Louisiana DCFS Launching HomeReady to Modernize How Louisiana Welcomes and Certifies Foster and Kinship Families

DCFS modernization initiative will strengthen and standardize the experience for Louisiana families opening their homes to children in need BATON ROUGE, LA – August 3, 2026 – The Louisiana Department of Children…

DCFS Confirms Arrest in Death of Melanie Trahan

BATON ROUGE, LA (July 31, 2026) — The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) today confirmed that foster caregiver Alberto Marin has been arrested and charged with one count…

Screenshot of a person holding a phone with the DCFS.louisiana.gov website.

DCFS Launches New Website and Brand Refresh to Better Serve Louisiana Families

Updates improve accessibility and user experience while highlighting the agency’s mission to support Louisiana’s children and families.

Reminder Regarding SNAP References

Baton Rouge, La. — To help ensure accurate and consistent reporting, the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) is reminding media partners that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is…

Orleans Region Welcomes DCFS Secretary Harris for Foster Care Listening Session

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) continued its Foster Care Community Listening Tour in the Orleans region. Foster caregivers, advocates, service providers, and community partners gathered to share candid experiences…

DCFS Celebrates Reunification Month

This month, DCFS celebrates Reunification Month and the children and families who have been safely brought back together. When a child enters foster care because their parents are not able to care for them, the goal is always the eventual reunification when safe and appropriate. Reunification, when possible, remains the best outcome for the children.

Covington Foster Care Community Meets with DCFS Secretary Harris to Discuss Strengthening Services

As Louisiana recognizes National Foster Care month, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) continued its Foster Care Community Listening Tour with a stop in Covington.

Child's hand holding an adult's finger at a playground.

Shreveport Foster Care Community Joins DCFS Secretary Harris for Fifth Stop on Statewide Listening Tour

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) continued its Foster Care Community Listening Tour today with its fifth stop in Shreveport.

Group photo of leaders and legislators at Louisiana child welfare roundtable.

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

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.

Hands holding a small house model symbolizing child welfare and community support.

Monroe Foster Care Community Meets for Listening Session with DCFS Secretary Harris

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) continued its Foster Care Community Listening Tour in Monroe.

DCFS Secretary Harris at Lafayette listening session with foster community members.

DCFS Secretary Harris Leads Lafayette Listening Session Elevating Solutions for the Foster Community

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) continued its Foster Care Community Listening Tour with its third stop in Lafayette, drawing the largest turnout of the tour so far.

Media Advisory: DCFS New Customer Service Number Active

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has launched the new customer service number.

Two women smiling at a community listening session for foster care improvements.

Community Voices Guide Foster Care Improvements at Baton Rouge Listening Session with DCFS Secretary Harris

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) continued its Foster Care Community Listening Tour with a gathering in Baton Rouge, where foster caregivers, advocates, and community partners shared their lived experiences to help guide improvements to the child welfare system.

Customer service team with headsets providing support at Louisiana DCFS.

DCFS Launching New Customer Service Number April 15

On April 15, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will launch a new customer service number designed to make it easier for Louisiana residents to reach the department for assistance.

DCFS officials discuss foster care initiatives during listening tour in Alexandria.

DCFS Secretary Harris Begins Foster Care Listening Tour in Alexandria

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) hosted the first stop of its Foster Care Community Listening Tour at the Westside Regional Library in Alexandria.