RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 325 (SB 137) 2023 Regular Session Barrow
New law requires the legislative auditor to appoint a state child ombudsman, subject to
legislative appropriation, who has knowledge of the child welfare system and the legal
system and is qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the ombudsman.
New law further provides for the legislative auditor to employ necessary personnel to
perform the duties assigned to the ombudsman.
New law provides for the duties of the state child ombudsman who shall independently
monitor and evaluate the public and private agencies involved in the protection of children
and delivery of services to children with the goal of safeguarding the welfare of children
through educational advocacy, system reform, public awareness, and training.
New law requires the state child ombudsman to prepare the following reports:
(1)A biennial, in-depth report on conditions of confinement regarding children 21 years
of age or younger who are held in secure detention in any facility operated by a state
agency.
(2)An annual report on the goals of and projects undertaken by him, within available
appropriations, that are consistent with his duties and responsibilities.
New law requires any state agency having responsibility for the custody or care of children
to provide monthly notice to the ombudsman of the death of a child in its custody or care.
New law further requires the ombudsman to notify the senator and representative who
represent the district in which a child has died as a result of abuse or neglect within 24 hours
of his knowledge of the death of the child.
New law provides that the standing committee of each house having responsibility for
oversight shall perform a biennial review and evaluation of the ombudsman.
New law provides that the state child ombudsman or his designee shall serve as a member
of the State Child Death Review Panel.
Effective when an Act of the Louisiana Legislature containing a specific appropriation of
monies for the implementation of new law becomes effective.
(Amends R.S. 40:2019(C)(intro para); adds R.S. 24:513(D)(7) and 525 and R.S.
40:2019(C)(23))