GATHER. LEARN. COLLABORATE.
____ Hosted by the Court Improvement Program of the Louisiana Supreme Court ____
2025 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
FOR CHILD WELFARE PRACTITIONERS
Thursday, July 17 | 12:00pm-1:00pm
Approved 1 HOUR CEU - Presumptive Approval CLE 1 HOUR
Download a flyer for sharing!
The 2025 Legislative Session concluded on June 12th. One of the major child welfare bills that passed involves the reorganization of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Another bill updates DCFS findings terminology, replacing “valid” and “invalid” with “substantiated” and “unsubstantiated.” Additionally, there have been changes to the mandatory reporting law. During the July CIP Café, you will learn about these key legislative updates.
Our speakers will also highlight changes to delinquency, education, and mental health laws that impact our children and families. They’ll provide insight into the legislative process and the challenges involved in drafting bills.
There will be time to discuss Act 92 from the 2024 legislative session, which introduced an “Advice of Rights for Children” provision in the Louisiana Children’s Code and amended Children’s Code Article 672A(2) to allow judges to disapprove a DCFS placement under certain circumstances.
Please join us!
Speakers:
- Kayana Bradley, Peer Support Specialist, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services; Louisiana Elite Advocacy Force
- Kathy Lynn Cook, J.D., M.A., C.W.L.S.,* Deputy General Counsel, Mental Health Advocacy Service/Child Advocacy Program
- Courtney Schroeder, J.D., Deputy Judicial Administrator, Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court
*Child Welfare Law Specialist, Certified by the National Association of Counsel for Children
Agenda:
12:00 – 12:15pm How a bill becomes a law or doesn't
12:15 – 12:40pm Relevant 2025 legislation
12:40 – 12:50pm Implementation of 2024 legislative changes
12:50 – 1:00pm Questions and Discussion
Objectives:
- Become familiar with the process of "How a Bill Becomes Law."
- Learn about the newest legislation impacting child welfare passed during this year’s legislative session.
- Discuss if, and how, the 2024 legislation is being implemented.
