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
CINC
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
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 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
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
Why Relative Placement Is Best for a Child in Need of Care
While a foster home can care for a child, there are often many relatives willing to step up, and there is no comparison to the benefits of a family’s love and connection. By Avery Alexson Guidry Child in Need of … Read More
What You Need to Know About Child in Need of Care Cases in Louisiana (Quick Guide)
Authored By: Lagniappe Law Lab The information in this post is from the Louisiana Bar Foundation and its Lagniappe Law Lab. Link to site. The step by step chart is very short and direct – worth a quick review! Infographic: … Read More