Directs the Dept. of Children and Family Services to study and develop a procedure by which parents who are awaiting a criminal trial or sentencing can develop a plan of care for their child
Impact
If implemented, HCR56 would change how the Department of Children and Family Services interacts with parents who are involved in the criminal justice system. The resolution urges the department to identify barriers preventing these parents from submitting care plans and suggests studying community resources that could assist. It emphasizes the need for procedural accommodations to help parents navigate the complexities of legal requirements surrounding child care plans under such circumstances.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 56 (HCR56) calls upon the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to establish a procedure that would allow parents awaiting a criminal trial or sentencing to develop a reasonable care plan for their children. This resolution aims to ensure that these parents have access to essential information, materials, and resources to create a care plan irrespective of their child's current custody status. The bill recognizes that under existing laws, parents in prison have mechanisms to plan for their child's care, but those awaiting trial lack similar support, which can jeopardize the well-being of their children.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HCR56 appears to be positive, as it seeks to provide additional support for vulnerable families caught in the upheaval of the criminal justice process. Lawmakers and advocates generally view the initiative as a necessary step towards maintaining parental involvement and responsibility, even when parents face legal difficulties. The resolution highlights a societal desire to uphold the principle that parents fundamentally wish to safeguard their children’s welfare, as reiterated in the Louisiana Children's Code Handbook.
Contention
While the resolutions set forth a framework for assisting parents awaiting criminal proceedings, potential points of contention might arise regarding resource allocation and the capability of the Department to implement such a procedure effectively. Stakeholders from various sectors, including health, legal, and social services, are invited to contribute to the study. The outcome and feasibility of the proposed plans may face scrutiny, particularly concerning how they can be effectively incorporated into existing systems without creating unintended complications.
Requests the Dept. of Education and the Dept. of Children and Family Services to determine the feasibility of developing an operational plan to transfer the Child Care Development Fund to the Department of Education.
An Act Concerning The Development Of A Report Regarding The Out-of-home Placement Of Grandchildren With Grandparents By The Department Of Children And Families.
Children; Children's Code; term; procedure if jury trial is waived; individualized service plan; termination of parental rights; district attorney; exceptions; informal adjustments; Office of Juvenile Affairs; effective date.
Transfers certain family and support programs from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Louisiana Workforce Commission and renames Louisiana Workforce Commission to Louisiana Works (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the office of the governor to study voluntary universal home visiting for all families with young children in the state of Louisiana.