In a move that puts families first, Louisiana’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is deepening its partnership with Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. Starting this month, a dedicated child‑welfare liaison will be stationed at the state’s largest delivery hospital to reach mothers and newborns before a crisis develops.
Why the new liaison matters
Last year DCFS opened 1,803 investigations involving newborns exposed to substances. While every case is unique, officials say early, coordinated outreach can prevent unnecessary foster‑care placements and keep children safely at home. “Child welfare should not wait for a family to reach the point of crisis before we offer help,” said Family Services Secretary Rebecca Harris.
Connecting care and support
The liaison will work side‑by‑side with hospital staff to identify mothers who are struggling with substance use. Those families will be linked to treatment programs, counseling, and other resources designed to stabilize the home environment. By intervening early, the state hopes to reduce barriers that often delay access to care.
Woman’s Hospital Executive President and Chief Nursing Officer Cheri Johnson echoed the sentiment, noting that the hospital’s focus on women and infants makes it an ideal partner. “Connecting families with the right agencies and resources can make all the difference,” Johnson said.
Aligning with federal goals
The initiative mirrors a broader federal push for earlier intervention in cases of prenatal substance exposure. Federal guidelines encourage states to prioritize family preservation whenever safely possible, and Louisiana’s new approach aligns directly with that strategy.
Looking ahead
DCFS says the liaison role is part of a larger effort to strengthen ties with health‑care providers and community organizations across the state. Lessons learned at Woman’s Hospital will be used to refine outreach models in other regions, ensuring that more families benefit from timely support.
For parents facing substance‑use challenges, the expanded partnership offers a clear signal: help is available before the situation becomes a crisis, and the state is committed to keeping families together whenever it can be done safely.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
