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DSS Seeks Nominees for Leadership Forum Advisory Board

July 23, 2009

07.22.09 - Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Secretary Kristy Nichols today announced a call for nominations for the agency’s Leadership Forum Advisory Board, which will serve an important role in a series of new initiatives designed to cultivate a culture of leadership and innovation in social service delivery.

DSS Support Enforcement Executive Director to Lead National Organization

July 23, 2009

07.23.09 - The Executive Director of the Department of Children & Family Services’ (DSS) Support Enforcement Services (SES) has been elected to lead a national organization of child support directors. Robbie Endris will serve as president of the National Council of Child Support Directors (NCCSD) for the 2009-2010 term, which begins October 1. Endris was elected during the organization’s annual meeting, held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in June. She served as the NCCSD Vice-President in 2008-2009.

DSS Encouraged by USDA Comments on the use of Food Stamps at Farmer’s Markets

July 20, 2009

07.20.09 - Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Secretary Kristy Nichols was encouraged by comments made today by United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or Food Stamps, to purchase fresh, local produce at area farmer’s markets.

Safe Haven Television Commercial Begins Statewide Run

July 14, 2009

07.14.090 - A television commercial promoting Louisiana’s Safe Haven law begins airing across the state today on network and cable stations. The commercials reiterate that, through the Safe Haven law, parents who choose not to use an adoption agency and feel they cannot care for their newborn can relinquish the baby up to 31-days-old at any hospital, police or fire station with no questions asked.

"Most Wanted" Poster Features 18 who Owe $800,000 in Child Support

July 13, 2009

07.13.09 - The Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) today published its list of "Most Wanted," a list of non-custodial parents who have not paid child support in at least six months and who owe at least $10,000. The list, which is featured on a poster, contains each non-payor's photo, last known address, number of children and how much they owe, along with "WANTED" printed in bright red across the top.

Governor Jindal Signs Bill Increasing Louisiana’s In-State Emergency Shelter Capacity

July 07, 2009

07.07.09 - Today, Governor Bobby Jindal signed a bill into law that will increase Louisiana's in-state emergency shelter capacity. The new law - Senate Bill 279 by Senator Mike Walsworth - will allow facilities owned or leased by the state or local governments to be used as shelters during emergency evacuations.

Former Class A Day Care Owner Pleads Guilty in Child Care Assistance Program Fraud Case

July 02, 2009

07.02.09 - A joint investigation by the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Fraud & Recovery Section and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations (HHS-OIG-OI) has resulted in a former Louisiana day care operator pleading guilty to a charge of mail fraud.

DSS Extends Application Deadline for Innovation in Louisiana Government Fellowship to July 10

July 02, 2009

07.02.09 - The deadline for nominations and applications for the Innovation in Louisiana Government Fellowship, designed to foster leadership and innovation in social service delivery, has been extended to next Friday, July 10.

DSS Revokes Wanda's Kid World License

July 02, 2009

07.02.09 - The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services today revoked the child care license for Wanda's Kid World in Baton Rouge effective immediately after a full review found the center in violation of a number of child care standards involving safety.

DSS Considers Revocation of Child Care License

July 01, 2009

07.01.09 - The Child Care Licensing and Regulatory Section of the DSS Office of Family Support is considering the immediate and permanent revocation of the child care license for Wanda's Kid World based on today's tragedy. The DSS Office of Community Services is also investigating the matter.