Requests the legislative auditor to examine the allocation of funds provided to the Dept. of Children and Family Services relative to furthering access to visitation
Impact
The economic implications of HCR155 center around the allocation of considerable funding from state and federal sources to the Department of Children and Family Services. By auditing the use of these funds, the resolution seeks to provide insights into their effectiveness in promoting visitation rights and access for noncustodial parents. A proper evaluation could potentially lead to better policy adjustments and resource allocation, aimed at enhancing the welfare of children involved in custody arrangements.
Summary
HCR155 is a House Concurrent Resolution urging the legislative auditor to examine the allocation of funds provided to the Department of Children and Family Services. The focus of this examination is to assess how well the funding is being utilized to further access to visitation for noncustodial parents. Encouraging transparency and accountability, the resolution requests a report on the findings to be submitted to the legislature by January 1, 2013. This move aims to ensure that resources intended to support family connections are being effectively managed and directed towards achieving positive outcomes for children and families.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR155 is generally positive, as it reflects a cooperative legislative approach towards better governance and oversight of family welfare programs. There is a shared understanding among legislators regarding the importance of improving access to visitation, acknowledging the need for noncustodial parents to sustain their relationships with their children. While opposition is minimal, concerns about the effectiveness of previous allocations and the necessity for ongoing funding may arise during discussions.
Contention
Notably, while HCR155 serves to promote scrutiny of the Department of Children and Family Services, it may also spur debates over the adequacy and effectiveness of existing programs designed to facilitate access and visitation rights. Legislators may clash over the sufficiency of funding, the implementation of programs, and strategies to ensure the intended outcomes of these initiatives. Ultimately, HCR155 prompts a critical examination of family-related policies within the state, highlighting the delicate balance between resource availability and the qualitative experiences of families navigating the system.
Requests that the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development provide funding to the La. Legislative Auditor to enable the auditor to conduct best practice reviews, internal control assessments, and compliance audits of housing authorities within the state of La.
Requests the legislative auditor to identify expenditures of proceeds collected by the state but not deposited into the treasury and general fund expenditures not appropriated by the legislature
Requests the state Dept. of Education, the La. Dept. of Health, and the Dept. of Children and Family Services to work collaboratively to coordinate opportunities and access to early childhood programs
Requests the legislative auditor to conduct an efficiency audit of the Department of Children and Family Services' administration of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Requests that the Dept. of Health and Hospitals, Dept. of Children and Family Services, and State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education study jointly the coordination of mental health and counseling resources for students
Requests the Dept. of Social Services and the Dept. of Education to work collaboratively to ensure that children enter kindergarten ready to learn and to submit an annual school readiness report to the governor, legislative education committees, and BESE