The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Brandi Cannon.
DIGEST
SB 63 Engrossed 2022 Regular Session Mizell
Present law provides for reports of child abuse or neglect where the abuser is believed to be a parent
or caretaker, a person who maintains an interpersonal dating or engagement relationship with the
parent or caretaker, or a person living in the same residence with the parent or caretaker as a spouse
whether married or not to be made to the Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Further
provides that all other reports are to be made to a local or state law enforcement agency.
Proposed law retains present law and provides that if a report involves alleged sex trafficking, the
provisions of proposed law also apply and all mandatory reporters shall report to DCFS regardless
of whether there is alleged parental or caretaker culpability.
Proposed law provides that DCFS shall communicate as soon as possible all reports involving
alleged child victims of sex trafficking to the La. State Police for referral to local law enforcement.
Proposed law provides that DCFS shall identify and assess all reports of alleged abuse and neglect
involving a child known or suspected to be a victim of sex trafficking and coordinate with law
enforcement, the juvenile justice system, other state agencies, and healthcare service providers to
provide comprehensive services for children who are sex trafficking victims, regardless of whether
there is alleged parental or caretaker culpability.
Proposed law provides for required actions by DCFS when a child has been identified as a victim
of sex trafficking which include making referrals for advocacy and care coordination, conducting
face-to-face visits with the child and family, and educating the parents or other caretakers about
possible high risk behaviors associated with sex trafficking victims.
Proposed law provides that a parent or caretaker of a child identified as a victim of sex trafficking
who has not abused or neglected the child is not required to participate in further assessments or
services offered or recommended by DCFS.
Proposed law provides the department may delegate, in writing, the performance of the requirements
of proposed law, but the department shall remain the responsible agency.
Effective January 1, 2023.
(Amends Ch.C. Art 610(A)(1); adds Ch.C. Art. 610(E)(4) and 610.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to the original bill
1. Requires mandatory reporters to report all alleged child victims of sex trafficking.
2. Requires DCFS to report to the LSP.
3. Allows DCFS to delegate its duties under proposed law.
4. Provides for optional services for parents who have no culpability.
5. Changes the effective date.
6. Makes technical changes.