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Press Releases
Summer temperatures peak, Children left unattended in cars at risk for serious illness and death
August 11, 2010
08.11.10 - The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services reminds parents and caregivers that with August temperatures reaching triple digits and changes in daily routines prompted by the start of the school year children are at an increased risk of heat-related illness and even death if left unattended in a car.
DCFS Launches Online Application for SNAP, Other Assistance Programs
July 30, 2010
07.3010- The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) today announced that Louisianians can now apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) and other forms of assistance online. The online application, which is available at www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/ApplyOnline, is used for SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, Family Independence Temporary Assistance (FITAP), Kinship Care Subsidy (KCSP) and the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) or a combination of these programs.
Nomination Period for Third Round of Innovation in Louisiana Government Fellowship Extended to July 30
July 26, 2010
07.26.10 - DCFS today extended the nomination period for the third round of the Innovation in Louisiana Government Fellowship until July 30. The ILG fellowship is a three-month program that will provide leadership training and technical assistance and a $1,000 stipend to fellows working to develop innovative social service projects.
Residents Encouraged to Pre-Apply for Disaster Food Assistance as Tropical Storm Bonnie Enters Gulf
July 23, 2010
07.23.10 - With Tropical Storm Bonnie expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico later today, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is encouraging residents to prepare by pre-applying online for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (DSNAP), formerly called Disaster Food Stamps.
DCFS announces July 25 deadline for finger imaging for Child Care Assistance Program
July 22, 2010
07.22.10 - This Sunday, July 25, is the deadline for all parents and caregivers of children in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to undergo finger-imaging for TOTS (Tracking of Time Services), an electronic time and attendance process that is expected to help keep children safe, cut down on fraud and provide efficient and more accurate payments to child care facilities.
Howze Appointed New DCFS Undersecretary
July 13, 2010
07.13.10 - Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Secretary Ruth Johnson today announced that Richard "Dickie" Howze will serve as the agency's Undersecretary for the Office of Management and Finance. The Undersecretary post was held previously by Johnson, who was appointed as the DCFS Secretary by Governor Bobby Jindal on June 25.
DCFS Secretary Sends Letter to Federal Claims Administrator Requesting Claims Data and Transparency
July 10, 2010
07.10.10 - Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Kristy Nichols sent a letter to federal BP claims administrator Kenneth Feinberg requesting access to substantive claims data, as well as the frequency with which it will be updated, in order to have a transparent claims process. The letter also outlined disturbing new trends in the processing of claims by BP, including the revelation that as of July 1, BP began deceasing payments to individuals whose claims files were incomplete.
Analysis of BP Claims Data by Third Party Consultant Indicates Gaps
July 02, 2010
07.02.10 - Initial analysis of BP claims data by the state's third party claims consultant indicates significant gaps in BP's claims performance, especially when it comes to keeping up with incoming claims and issuing checks to claimants. The data also shows that an increase in the number and amounts of payments increased directly following pressure from the state to speed up payments.
State Selects Third Party Administrator to Review Oil Spill Claims
June 23, 2010
06.23.10 - The state of Louisiana has taken the first steps in implementing a community outreach and technical assistance plan to ensure the effectiveness, transparency and efficiency in the British Petroleum (BP) claims process resulting from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Today, the state announced that Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc. (CCMSI) has been selected to serve as the state's independent administrator to implement a comprehensive review of BP's oil spill claims process. The state also issued a solicitation for proposals for community organizations to assist individuals and businesses with the claims process.
Summer Safety Concern: Children Left Unattended in Cars at Risk for Injury, Death
June 18, 2010
06.18.10 - With recent temperatures reaching into the 90's and a heat index above 100 degrees, the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services reminds parents and caregivers that leaving children unattended in a car can be deadly. Between 1989 and 2010, DSS reports that 16 children in Louisiana have died from hyperthermia (heat stroke) as a result of being left in unattended vehicles.