HLS 11RS-962 ORIGINAL
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2011
HOUSE BILL NO. 465
BY REPRESENTATIVE NORTON
Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
CHILDREN/ABUSE: Provides for supervised visitation during child abuse investigations
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact Children's Code Article 612(A)(2), relative to child abuse; to provide2
with respect to supervised visitation; and to provide for related matters.3
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:4
Section 1. Children's Code Article 612(A)(2) is hereby amended and reenacted to5
read as follows: 6
Art. 612. Assignment of reports for investigation and assessment7
A.8
* * *9
(2) Reports of high and intermediate levels of risk shall be investigated10
promptly. This investigation shall include a preliminary investigation as to the11
nature, extent, and cause of the abuse or neglect and the identity of the person12
actually responsible for the child's condition. This preliminary investigation shall13
include an interview with the child and his parent or parents or other caretaker.14
Admission of the investigator on school premises or access to the child in school15
shall not be denied by school personnel. Notwithstanding a court order of visitation,16
the department shall require supervised visitation as defined in R.S. 9:362, until a17
determination is made in accordance with Article 615.18
* * *19 HLS 11RS-962 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 465
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Norton HB No. 465
Abstract: Provides for supervised visitation during child abuse investigations.
Present law provides procedures for reports of child abuse or neglect for children not in the
custody of the state, which includes an assessment of the level of risk and an investigation
into the nature, extent, and cause of the abuse, and a determination of the person responsible
for the abuse.
Present law (Ch.C. Art. 136) provides that parents are entitled to reasonable visitation rights
unless the court finds, after a hearing, that visitation would not be in the best interest of the
child.
Present law (R.S. 9:341) provides that whenever the court finds that a parent has abused the
child, the court shall prohibit visitation between the abusive parent and the abused child until
such parent proves that visitation would not cause physical, emotional, or psychological
damage to the child.
Proposed law requires that visitations shall be supervised until the investigation has been
completed to determine if the parent or caretaker has abused the child.
(Amends Ch.C. Art. 612(A)(2))