Louisiana Family Services
Case management and counseling services are provided to families in situations in which an allegation of child neglect and/or abuse has been validated, and the family is thought to need more long term services. Services are provided to children and their parents to address whatever child care or other parental functioning deficiencies or practices brought the family to the attention of the Office of Community Services. These services can prevent removal when it is determined that a child is not at high risk of immediate removal and where the parents are considered capable, with some assistance, of caring for their children and providing what they require for healthy development.
The Family Services program is based upon the philosophy that each child should remain in his own home if it can offer him safety and meet his basic needs. Congress endorsed this view in the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-272), which mandates states which receive federal funding for their child welfare programs to provide services to prevent the foster care placement of children.
Who can receive the service?
Family services are provided to families in which an allegation of child neglect and/or abuse has been validated, and the family is thought to need more long term services. In some limited situations, families can voluntarily elect to participate in these services when Child Abuse or Neglect has not been validated.
How long can the service be received?
Family services are provided to children and their parents for a time limited period of six to nine months to address whatever child care or other parental functioning deficiencies or practices brought the family to the attention of the Office of Community Services.
How does one access the service?
The gateway into Family Services is through Child Protection Investigation. Contact the local parish office of the Office of Community Services [see directory of parish offices].
Where and When can the service be accessed?
Family services can be accessed at the local parish office when a family is in a situation in which an allegation of child neglect and/or abuse has been validated and the family is thought to need more long term services.
