Press Releases

Department of Children & Family Services' Safe Haven Campaign Wins Bronze Telly Award

April 16, 2010

04.16.10 - A public service campaign television spot produced by the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) to spread awareness of Louisiana's Safe Haven law has been awarded a national bronze 2010 Telly Award, the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs.

Legislative Package Aims to Reorganize DSS, Improve Services and Increase Child Support Collections

April 05, 2010

04.05.10 - Reorganization, service delivery improvements and increased child support collections are the main focus of 15 bills that make up the Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Legislative Package, which Louisiana lawmakers will consider during the 2010 legislative session.

DSS Secretary Holds Successful Open Line Meeting

March 25, 2010

03.25.10 - A virtual meeting to connect DSS employees and stakeholders with Secretary Kristy Nichols is now available to be viewed online. During the meeting, Nichols discussed changes underway for DSS, including the agency reorganization, the legislative session that starts Monday and the DSS budget. Nichols also fielded real time questions from staff and stakeholders.

Parent Arrested After Dog Attacks Foster Care Worker

March 23, 2010

03.23.10 - Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Secretary Kristy Nichols said today that the parent of a foster child was arrested following an incident in Ouachita Parish yesterday in which a foster care worker sustained multiple injuries after being attacked by a dog during a visit to the parent's home. Nichols said this incident underscores the dangers workers face on a daily basis in ensuring the safety of children across our state and encouraged local law enforcement to prosecute the incident using a law passed in 2005 that protects child welfare workers.

DSS Extends Nominations for Fellowship Program Until February 17

February 04, 2010

02.04.10 - Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Secretary Kristy Nichols today announced an extension until February 17 for nominations to be submitted for the second class of the agency's Innovation in Louisiana Government Fellowship, designed to develop leadership and foster innovation in social service delivery.

DSS Sets Record for Second Year in Row for Child Support Collections

January 29, 2010

01.29.10 - The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) set a record for the second year in a row when it comes to collecting child support payments -- more than $354 million for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2009, which is up from more than $346 million collected in FFY 2008.

DSS Continues to Implement Streamlining Recommendations

January 14, 2010

01.14.10 - Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Secretary Kristy Nichols today said that DSS is continuing to take steps to implement recommendations by the Commission on Streamlining Government designed to streamline the agency, produce cost savings and increase efficiencies.