Medical Professionals
Your clinical expertise can change the course of a child’s life. DCFS works alongside medical professionals to provide clear reporting guidance, specialized training, and coordinated follow-up when safety concerns arise.
Together, we make sure children receive the protection and care they deserve.
Partnering to Protect Children
We provide the tools you need to meet your mandated reporter responsibilities confidently. This includes training, documentation guidance, dual reporting information, and access to the online reporting portal. Our caseworkers collaborate with healthcare providers to assess concerns and coordinate next steps.
Reporting Substance-Exposed Newborns
Louisiana law requires healthcare providers to report newborns who show signs of prenatal substance exposure. Timely reporting and coordination of care is essential in these cases.
Resources for Reporting
Access comprehensive training, reporting portals, and guidance materials to fulfill your legal obligations while supporting children and families effectively.
Resources for Hospital Providers
Healthcare Coordination, Inpatient Hospital Discharge Planning, and Payment Policy
DCFS Child Welfare staff partner with hospital providers to ensure that children in foster care receive timely, medically necessary care, and that services are reimbursed by Medicaid or DCFS, as appropriate.
For an understanding of DCFS policy governing payment for inpatient hospital services and related discharge planning for children in foster care, view the presentation prepared by DCFS Medical staff for hospital providers.
For direct access to the policies and forms referenced in the presentation, see the links below.
For Hospital Providers
For DCFS Staff
Support for Every Path
Mandated Reporter
DCFS offers free online training and reporting tools to support you in this important responsibility.
Provider
We offer licensing guidance, procurement opportunities, reporting tools, and so many other program resources.