All News

DSS, Workforce Commission Partner to Increase Workforce Participation, Self-Sufficiency for Clients

September 22, 2009

09.22.09 - The Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Department of Children & Family Services announced today they are working together on a pilot integration program designed to more effectively use available resources of each agency to identify job-ready clients and efficiently place them into demand jobs with opportunity for career growth.

DSS Announces Child Care Reform

September 18, 2009

09.18.09 - Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) Secretary Kristy Nichols today announced steps to reform child care licensing standards in Louisiana, including the formation of an advisory group to receive input on reforms from providers and an immediate assessment of child care centers in order to ensure that quality child care for children is provided in a safe environment.

Thibodaux Woman Found Guilty of Food Stamp Theft

September 17, 2009

09.17.09 - A 53-year old Thibodaux woman was found guilty Wednesday of using her job to illegally obtain $2,133 in food stamp assistance benefits after a trial in state district court in Thibodaux.

DSS To Host First Monthly Web Cast Monday

September 11, 2009

09.11.09 - The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DSS) will host the first in a series of monthly Web casts on Monday as part of the agency's efforts to foster leadership and innovation in social service delivery, increase savings and efficiencies and improve client outcomes.

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.