LA SB432

Amends the Children's Code definition of "neglect" by removing the word "substantially" from the threshold describing when a child's health, welfare, and safety is threatened or impaired

Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to assign risk levels based on whether information indicates a child is in an unsafe condition and if a potential threat of danger exists, rather than solely on information provided by the reporter

Prohibits DCFS from making a determination of whether abuse or neglect has occurred prior to investigating a report

Expands DCFS investigation authority to include children in state custody (removes previous exclusion for children already in state custody)

Effective August 1, 2026