Press Releases

DSS Selects 12 for Innovation in Louisiana Government Fellowship

September 11, 2009

09.11.09 - Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Secretary Kristy Nichols today announced the 12 members of the first class of the Innovation in Louisiana Government Fellowship, a six-month program that will provide leadership training and technical assistance as the fellows work to develop innovative social service projects.

DSS Adoption Specialist Receives National Honor for Work with Children, Families

September 11, 2009

09.11.09 - DSS Adoption Specialist Marie Rudison is the September recipient of AdoptUsKids' Caseworker of the Month award, part of national initiative which celebrates caseworkers for their dedication to children and families.

Blind Café Owner Triumphs In Light of Challenges

September 11, 2009

09.11.09 - In less than two years, Janice Foster, a Baton Rouge business owner who is legally blind, went from being a cafeteria worker to achieving more than $100,000 in gross sales at her restaurant Vittles Café, which is a Randolph-Sheppard food service facility.

DSS: Gustav Anniversary Good Reminder to Pre-apply for Disaster Food Stamps

September 01, 2009

09.01.09 - On the one year anniversary of Hurricane Gustav, Department of Children & Family Services Secretary (DSS) Kristy Nichols today reminded citizens that DSS has developed a new system to allow residents to pre-apply online or by phone for Disaster Food Stamps in order to prepare for hurricane season, save time, and avoid long waits in the event of a disaster.

DSS Selects New Leadership Advisory Board Members

August 19, 2009

08.19.09 - As part of the agency’s efforts to develop innovative solutions to improve social service delivery in Louisiana, Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Secretary Kristy Nichols today announced the members of the agency’s new Leadership Forum Advisory Board, which will advise DSS on policy, programs and efficient business practices and leadership development.

DSS Announces Improvements to Sheltering Plan

August 04, 2009

08.04.09 - The Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) today outlined operational improvements to its emergency sheltering plan and evacuee shelters such as improved medical access for evacuees, specified play areas for children, designated sleeping arrangements for families, and increased availability of hygiene stations. Louisiana's emergency plan designates DSS as the primary agency in charge of mass care, emergency assistance, mass feeding, housing and human services. This role encompasses coordinating evacuation of individuals who require assistance getting out of harm's way and coordinating and managing Critical Transportation Needs Shelters (CTNS), Medical Special Needs Shelters (MSNS) and Sex Offender Shelters.

Child Residential Facility Voluntarily Relinquishes License

July 31, 2009

07.31.09 - The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) today received the voluntary relinquishment of the child residential license from Jackson Avenue Group Home in New Orleans after 14 deficiencies were found upon inspection of the home since June 2009.

DSS Reports on Strategic Investments in Promoting Self-Sufficiency

July 29, 2009

07.29.09 - Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) today released a framework, titled "Promoting Self-Sufficiency" for how the agency will make strategic investments to help families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency by providing stability, workforce development and tools for independence.

DSS Collaboration Leads to Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

July 23, 2009

07.23.09 - More than two dozen disabled Louisianians have started new careers though a three-month collaboration between the Department of Children & Family Services’ (DSS) Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) and PRIDE Industries to fill contract jobs at Fort Polk.

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.