RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 662 (SB 63) 2022 Regular Session Mizell
Existing law provides for reports of child abuse or neglect to be made to the Dept. of
Children and Family Services (DCFS) if the alleged 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. Further provides that all other reports are to be made to
a local or state law enforcement agency.
New law provides that if a report involves alleged sex trafficking, all mandatory reporters
shall report to DCFS regardless of whether there is alleged parental or caretaker culpability.
New 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.
Existing law provides for the duties and responsibilities of DCFS to administer the public
assistance laws of the state.
New law adds the responsibility to make care coordination and advocacy services available
for victims of child sex trafficking and provides for the services that may be provided as care
coordination and advocacy services.
Effective January 1, 2023.
(Amends Ch.C. Art 610(A)(1); adds Ch.C. Art. 610(E)(4) and R.S. 46:51(16))