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 Charles, giving foster caregivers, child welfare partners, advocates and community members an opportunity to speak directly with DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris on where challenges remain and how Louisiana can better support children and families.
The Lake Charles visit follows listening sessions in seven other DCFS regions. With only one stop remaining, a clear message has emerged: listening must lead to action. DCFS has already incorporated feedback gathered during the tour into several initiatives designed to reduce barriers for caregivers, strengthen support for frontline staff and build a more connected foster care community.
As of August 3, 2026, the Lake Charles Region has 356 foster children and 145 certified foster homes, for a foster home-to-child ratio of 0.41 to 1. In 2025, caregivers in the region helped 67 children safely return to their families and finalized 48 adoptions.
From Listening to Action
DCFS is turning what it has heard on the Listening Tour into tangible improvements. HomeReady is streamlining the certification process for foster and kinship families and strengthening the foundation for expanding family-based care. The department’s community-centered work will take another step forward with Hope Starts Here, which launches October 7, 2026, at Bethany Church in Baton Rouge. The event will educate and equip churches to become sources of hope and practical support for foster care communities.
These efforts build on other statewide improvements, including expanded kinship and family-based placement options, stronger intake coordination and continued work to equip and stabilize the frontline child welfare workforce.
“This tour was never meant to be a series of conversations that ended when we left the room. Foster caregivers and community partners have shared thoughtful, practical solutions, and we are putting that insight to work,” said DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris. “HomeReady and Hope Starts Here reflect a simple truth: stronger outcomes for children begin when government, caregivers, faith communities and local partners work together. Lake Charles has always understood the power of neighbors helping neighbors, and we are inviting this entire region to be part of the solution.”
The Lake Charles session will help DCFS continue to refine statewide improvements and identify region-specific needs as the tour moves toward its final stop.
How the Community Can Help
Become a foster caregiver or learn about other ways to support children and families: dcfs.la/lahome
Track foster home availability and placement progress through the A Home for Every Child Meter: dcfs.la/fchomes
Encourage your church or faith community to participate in Hope Starts Here: dcfs.la/hsh26
About DCFS
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services works to protect children, empower families and strengthen communities so every child grows up safe, stable and strong. By connecting children and families with the support they need, DCFS helps create opportunities for long-term success across Louisiana. Learn more at dcfs.la.gov.
