LA SB329

All child abuse and neglect reports must be made directly to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), which then determines whether to investigate itself or refer to law enforcement based on the type of perpetrator identified by the reporter.

DCFS and law enforcement must inform reporters that unless they request anonymity, they may be contacted directly during the investigation to obtain additional information.

DCFS must designate an employee to serve as a dedicated liaison for all matters involving child fatalities and near fatalities, including notifications to the state child ombudsman.

DCFS must publicly post information on its website about child abuse/neglect cases resulting in fatalities or near fatalities, including the child's name (in fatality cases), age, gender, parish, alleged perpetrator information, and prior case history.

Within 90 days of a fatality or near fatality report, DCFS must publish a summary report detailing actions taken, policy changes made, and recommendations for further changes to address issues identified in the case review.