Senate Resolution No. by Senator Duplessis requests the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to provide a report on the provision of luggage to children who are removed from their homes or change foster care placements. The resolution highlights the negative impact of using trash bags for transporting children's belongings, emphasizing that it undermines their dignity and self-worth. It notes that while Louisiana's policy allows for reimbursement for luggage expenses for foster parents, there is no requirement for children to receive luggage during these critical transitions. The resolution points to similar laws in states like Maryland, Texas, and Oregon that have established protocols for providing luggage to children in these situations.
The requested report should include details on the current process for providing luggage, the number of children affected in the previous year, the number of children who received luggage, and the names of distribution partners involved in supplying luggage. The DCFS is required to submit this report to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare by January 1, 2026, with a copy of the resolution to be sent to the secretary of the department. The overall aim is to ensure that children are treated with dignity and provided with essential items that foster a sense of hope during difficult transitions.