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Press Releases
Department of Children & Family Services Awards Child Care Rebuilding Grants
November 17, 2008
11.17.08 - The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services has awarded $10 million in federal grants to nine child-care providers in South Louisiana to help rebuild an industry in regions still reeling from hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Lalonde Retires After Half Century With DSS
November 13, 2008
11.13.08 - When Vivian Lalonde started her career with the Department of Children & Family Services (DSS), Office of Community Services (OCS), President Eisenhower was in office, the price of oil was $3 per barrel and the U.S. Supreme Court had just ruled that Little Rock schools should integrate. Lalonde, 69, of Arnaudville is retiring on Nov. 13 after celebrating 50 years with OCS.
USDA Denies Request for Extra Month of Disaster Food Stamp Benefits
November 12, 2008
11.12.08 - The Department of Children & Family Services today announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services had denied Louisiana’s request to issue a second month of Disaster Food Stamp benefits to residents in the following 13 parishes: Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Jefferson Davis, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Sabine, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Vernon.
DSS Ceremony Celebrates Adoptive Families, Advocates
November 07, 2008
11.07.08 - The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services kicked off November as Adoption Awareness Month in Louisiana by celebrating 433 families who made adoptive commitments to 597 children this year at the Office of Community Services' 10th Annual Adoption Reception Celebration held today at the Governor's Mansion.
DSS Announces Residential Care Reform
October 31, 2008
10.31.08 - Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Interim Secretary Kristy Nichols today announced steps that will be taken over the next 90 days to reform child residential care in Louisiana, making sure that children in these facilities are in a safe environment and that a continuity of care exists with licensed facilities.
Job Fair for those with Disabilities Slated for Houma Thursday
October 29, 2008
10.29.08 - As part of National Disability Awareness Month, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services will help host a job fair in Houma on Thursday, Oct. 30 to help bridge the needs of the business community with the employment needs of citizens with disabilities who are job-ready and looking for work. The event will be at Evergreen Cajun Center, 4694 West Main Street from 8 a.m. until noon.
State Promotes Microenterprise Program As Tool-kit For Poverty Reduction And Economic Growth
October 29, 2008
10.29.08 - The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) and Louisiana Economic Development (DED) will hold a joint business fair and graduation ceremony honoring the 40 newest entrepreneurs to complete the state’s Microenterprise Development program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at the BREC Garden Center, 7950 Independence Blvd. in Baton Rouge.
DSS Interim Secretary Announces Three Appointments: Executive Counsel, Communications Director, Legislative Director
October 24, 2008
10.24.08 - Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Interim Secretary Kristy Nichols today announced three key appointments in the Office of the Secretary: Amy Colby as executive counsel, Trey Williams as communications director and strategic advisor, and Courtney Baker as legislative director.
Randolph Sheppard Vendors Honor Two DSS Employees
October 24, 2008
10.2408 - The Randolph Sheppard Vendors of Louisiana has recognized Parris Taylor and Kevin Monk, two Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) employees, for their outstanding service to individuals who are legally blind and visually impaired.
USDA Approves DSS for Extra Month DFSP Benefits in Seven Parishes
October 22, 2008
10.2208 - While the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) received confirmation today that seven parishes -- Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, St. Mary, Terrebonne and Vermilion -- have been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a second month of disaster food stamps, Interim Secretary Kristy Nichols said that DSS will continue to push the federal government to qualify those remaining parishes most in need that were affected by Hurricane Ike.