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)]
HB 522 Engrossed 2021 Regular Session Selders
Abstract: Provides relative to the procedure of closing reports of abuse or neglect of a child.
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.
Proposed law provides that if information is obtained from a professional or credible source that if
provided initially would have revealed that the initial report did not meet the criteria for acceptance,
the Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS) may administratively close a report of abuse or
neglect that was previously accepted without completing the preliminary investigation or assessment.
Proposed law states that DCFS may notify the family of services that may be available in the
community to assist the family if a report of abuse or neglect of a child is not accepted for
investigation or assessment.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds Ch.C. Art. 612(A)(5) and (6))