CINC

LA Supreme Court

Qualifications and Standards for Attorneys Representing Children in Need of Care – Reports Due January 31st

Since its enactment in 1974, CAPTA has required appointment of a “guardian ad litem” in “every case involving an abused or neglected child which results in a judicial proceeding.” States must meet this requirement, among others, in order to be … Read More

2-16-2023 CIP Cafe’ – Do You Have A Problem? Can A Motion Solve That?

Motions are a strategic tool that can be used in a variety of ways to improve outcomes in Louisiana Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases. Filed by an attorney or party, a motion seeks a specific order of the … Read More

1-19-2023 CIP Cafe’ – Reasonable Efforts: Overview of the Law and Fiscal Implications

The concept of reasonable efforts is a fundamental component in every Child in Need of Care (CINC) case. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has the burden of demonstrating reasonable efforts to prevent or eliminate the need for … Read More

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Introducing the Reasonable Efforts Findings Study

U.S. Administration for Children and Families – October 05, 2022 A judge’s reasonable efforts decisions at child welfare hearings may avoid separating families and help children achieve permanency faster.1 As a result, judges play a critical role in child welfare … Read More

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Addressing the Impacts of Parent and Caregiver Loss on Children (Includes audio)

U.S. Administration for Children and Families – October 27, 2022 Losing a parent or caregiver is a tragic and life-changing event for a child. Supporting children and families who have experienced loss is deeply embedded in the strategic goals and … Read More

Overview: LSBA Children’s Law Committee Continuing Advocacy for Louisiana’s Future

By Curtis Nelson, Jr., Kellie J. Johnson and Mariarenee Contreras The Children’s Law Committee was created in 2008 as an ad hoc committee at the request of the state Legislative Task Force on Legal Representation in Child Protection Cases. Since … Read More

Family Treatment Courts – Strategy Briefs

Children and Family Futures (CFF), in partnership with Casey Family Programs, has developed a series of three briefs on family treatment courts (FTCs). The briefs inform professionals in child welfare, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, courts, and other key stakeholders about the … Read More

cOURT

Court Process and Legal Rights Guide For Foster Caregivers

The guide is hosted on the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services website and was created in 2021. This guide is to be used to learn more about Child in Need of Care (“CINC”) cases. It is for foster … Read More

Child Safety Guide Cover

Safety Guide: A Guide for Judges and Attorneys

The purpose of this Guide is to provide judges and attorneys with a practical summary about child safety so they can: Evaluate whether agency recommendations regarding child safety are based on sufficient information; Recognize recommendations that follow logical reasoning and … Read More

Determining the Best Interests of the Child

Courts make a variety of decisions that affect children, including placement and custody determinations, safety and permanency planning, and proceedings for termination of parental rights. Whenever a court makes such a determination, judges must weigh whether the decision will be … Read More