House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes a comprehensive reorganization of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in Louisiana, aiming to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations. The bill seeks to eliminate the existing office of children and family services and establish two new offices: the office of child support and the office of child welfare. This restructuring involves transferring duties from certain offices within DCFS and updating various articles of the Children's Code and other relevant statutes to reflect these changes. Notably, the bill replaces references to "children and family services" with "child welfare" and "child support," thereby streamlining the language used throughout the legislation.

Key amendments include the creation of a voluntary registry for adopted persons and their biological families under the office of child welfare, as well as provisions for the confidentiality of documents filed with the office of child support. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities associated with child support enforcement, ensuring that the new office will manage these matters effectively. Additionally, it outlines procedures for revoking acknowledgments of paternity and support judgments, emphasizes the importance of reporting fraud related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and enhances access to records for legislative studies concerning children in state custody. Overall, the bill aims to redefine the mission of DCFS, focusing on child safety, family empowerment, and community strength, with a commitment to accountability and transparency. The proposed changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
HB617 Original: 6:333(F)(14), 9:16(A), 9:40(1), 9:1(A), 9:406(B)(2), 11:1(F), 13:998(B), 13:1141(B), 13:1414(B), 13:4291(B)(1), 14:1(A), 15:587(A)(2), 15:1(I), 15:5(A)(4), 17:1(A)(1), 23:1605(A)(4), 43:111(A)(8), 46:51, 46:1(3), 46:114(A), 46:1(C), 46:4(E), 46:8(D), 46:3(A)(2), 46:10(A), 46:11(C), 46:12(B)(1), 46:14(D)(1), 46:15(A)(1), 46:238(B), 46:1002(A), 46:2(F), 47:11(1), 47:41(B), 47:112(C), 47:9027(C)(10), 51:1442(4), 36:474(A)(11), 36:477(B)(2), 46:51(2), 46:1(A)