reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
LA Chil Code art. 541 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 541. Legislative findings; purposes; goals

A. In an effort to reform and restructure the juvenile justice system and to improve the availability and quality of programs and services available to assist children who are at risk of becoming part of the system, as well as those who are already involved in the juvenile justice system, the legislature supports interagency efforts to gather comprehensive data and to actively share and disseminate data among those agencies responsible for making informed decisions regarding the treatment, care, security, and rehabilitation of children within the state. B. The legislature finds that the sharing and integration of appropriate data and information may have numerous benefits for the children and families involved in the juvenile justice system, as well as for the state and local agencies attempting to provide services for them. C. The legislature finds that such data sharing and integration can serve the best interests of the child and the family, contribute to higher levels of effectiveness in service delivery, greater efficiency and productivity, and eventually reductions in the costs of juvenile justice services. Specifically, such data sharing and integration can reduce redundant data entry, expedite the processing of cases, provide for more timely service delivery, ensure more accurate and up-to-date information, assist in the development of a seamless system of services, and contribute to better performance and greater accountability by all involved parties. D. The legislature finds that the goals and purposes of this Chapter, including the goal to develop a seamless system of services for children and their families, would be furthered by the development of a central repository of data for planning and evaluation purposes and urges the Children's Cabinet to work towards the development of such a central repository. Acts 2005, No. 119, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.
LA Chil Code art. 542 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 542. Definitions

For the purposes of this Chapter, "juvenile justice system" means the system of public and private services in Louisiana that includes prevention, early identification, early intervention, child protection, law enforcement, prosecution, defense, adjudication, diversion and informal processing, probation, corrections, aftercare, transitional living, and other services provided to children and families who either are or are likely to be brought into a court with juvenile jurisdiction because of problems such as abuse, neglect or abandonment, mental illness, substance abuse, aspects of a divorce and breakup of families, pre-delinquency, social irresponsibility or delinquent behavior, or spousal abuse involving children. Acts 2005, No. 119, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.
LA Chil Code art. 543 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 543. Interagency information sharing; interagency agreements

  A. Through the Children's Cabinet, the agencies specified in Article 543(F) shall develop policies to facilitate interagency information sharing in the most effective and expeditious manner. However, the adoption of formal policies shall not be prerequisite to the implementation of the provisions of this Chapter.  B. The Children's Cabinet shall facilitate the development of interagency agreements and cooperation regarding the sharing of data concerning children and families involved in the juvenile justice system.  C. Interagency agreements shall include provisions regarding the specific data to be shared among agencies, the person or persons allowed by each party to have access to the other party's data, and the security arrangements between parties to ensure the protection of the data from unauthorized access that may threaten the privacy of persons and the confidentiality of the data.  D. Interagency agreements shall be in writing and a copy shall be furnished to the court exercising juvenile jurisdiction, the Children's Cabinet, and to each agency involved in the treatment, care, and rehabilitation of the child.  E. The Children's Cabinet shall provide procedures, which may include a forum, for the presentation of interagency recommendations and the resolution of disagreements relating to the contents of interagency agreements or the performance by the parties of their respective obligations under such agreements.  F. Agencies involved in facilitating agreements regarding the sharing of information regarding children and families shall include:  (1) The Department of Children and Family Services.  (2) The Louisiana Department of Health.  (3) The Department of Education.  (4) Youth services of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.  (5) The Louisiana Workforce Commission.  (6) Courts exercising juvenile jurisdiction.  (7) Offices of district attorneys.  (8) Law enforcement agencies.  (9) City, parish, and other local public school boards.  (10) Truancy assistance service centers.  (11) Families in Need of Services offices.  Acts 2005, No. 119, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2006; Acts 2008, No. 743, §7, eff. July 1, 2008.
LA Chil Code art. 545 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 545. Confidentiality

A. Any court order rendered or interagency information sharing agreement entered into pursuant to this Chapter shall specify the conditions under which information is to be made available to authorized parties, and shall include procedures for preserving the confidentiality of all records and information pertaining to a child. B. Disclosure of information pursuant to any interagency information sharing agreement shall only be made between authorized persons within agencies that are involved in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, care, or rehabilitation of children and for the purpose of ensuring cooperation and coordination of all agencies in providing services to children and their families. Acts 2005, No. 119, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.
LA Chil Code art. 546 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 546. Immunity from civil or criminal liability

A. Any person or agency acting in the performance and scope of official public duties in good faith pursuant to this Chapter or pursuant to an interagency agreement who or which discloses any confidential information regarding a child or his family shall have immunity from any liability, civil, criminal, or otherwise, that might result by reason of the type of information disclosed. B. The limitation on liability of Paragraph A of this Article shall not apply if a person or agency acts with gross negligence or in bad faith. Acts 2005, No. 119, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.
LA Chil Code art. 551 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 551. Legislative findings

The legislature finds that society has a responsibility to protect children from abuse and neglect. Provision of independent counsel for abused and neglected children is an essential due process right provided by Louisiana law to ensure sound and fair decisionmaking concerning children's safety, permanency, and well-being. Counsel providing representation in child protection proceedings should have specialized knowledge and skills essential for effective representation, and should participate in multi-disciplinary interaction together with other professionals involved with the child, including interdisciplinary communication, investigation, discovery, meetings, conferences, proceedings, and administrative hearings. Resources to support the provision of legal representation of children should be used efficiently and equitably to assure qualified representation throughout the state. Acts 2006, No. 271, §1; Acts 2008, No. 567, §1, eff. June 30, 2008; Acts 2008, No. 752, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 552 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 552. Definitions

As used in this Chapter: (1) "Child abuse and neglect case" means a child protection proceeding conducted by a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction involving the abuse or neglect of children as provided specifically in Titles VI, X, XI, and XII of the Louisiana Children's Code. (2) "Program" means a program approved by the Louisiana Supreme Court to provide qualified legal representation of children in child abuse and neglect cases. Acts 2006, No. 271, §1; Acts 2014, No. 354, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 553 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 553. Access to child; records; communication

A. Any attorney representing a child in a child abuse and neglect case as defined herein shall have reasonable access to and the opportunity to consult with the child whenever and wherever necessary in the performance of his duties and shall have ready access to view and copy all medical, mental health, developmental disability, and education records pertaining to his client whether such records are in hard copy or electronic form. B. The person with whom or facility in which the child is placed shall provide reasonable access and privacy for the purpose of attorney-client consultation. C. A child shall have the right to communicate in any manner in private with counsel at all times. Acts 2006, No. 271, §1; Acts 2014, No. 354, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 557 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 557. Purpose

The purpose of this Part is to provide for an effective and efficient system of providing qualified legal representation for children in child abuse and neglect cases. Acts 2006, No. 271, §1; Acts 2014, No. 354, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 558 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 558. Louisiana Child Representation System; establishment

The statewide Louisiana Child Representation System is hereby established under the oversight of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Acts 2006, No. 271, §1; Acts 2014, No. 354, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 560 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 560. Provision of services; qualifications of counsel

A. A program designated by the Louisiana Supreme Court shall provide child representation services to each court exercising jurisdiction over abuse and neglect cases in accordance with a plan for service delivery developed by the program and approved by the supreme court. B. Representation of children in child abuse and neglect cases shall comply with the provisions of Part III of Rule J of the Administrative Rules of the Supreme Court, including qualifications of appointed counsel and child attorney standards. Acts 2006, No. 271, §1; Acts 2014, No. 354, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 571 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 571. Legislative findings

  A. The legislature finds that society has a responsibility to provide indigent or absent parents with quality legal representation, including curatorship appointments, in child abuse and neglect cases. Provision of counsel for indigent parents or curators for absent parents are essential due process rights provided by Louisiana law to ensure sound and fair decision-making concerning children's safety, permanency, and well-being. Legal counsel providing representation in child abuse and neglect cases should have specialized knowledge and skills essential for effective representation. Resources to support the provision of legal representation, including curatorship appointments, of indigent or absent parents should be used efficiently and equitably to assure qualified representation throughout the state.  B. The legislature finds that there is a need for a uniform system of representation of indigent or absent parents statewide that provides for appropriate oversight, minimization of potential conflicts, and adequate local and state funding. To this end, the legislature finds that local public defender offices best serve the interests of children and families by representing indigent or absent parents, which shall include curatorship appointments, in child abuse and neglect cases consistent with the provisions of R S. 15:185.1 et seq., and with the Trial Court Performance Standards for Attorneys Representing Parents in Child in Need of Care and Termination of Parental Right Cases provided in Chapter 11 of Part XV of Title 22 of the Louisiana Administrative Code.  C. Repealed by Acts 2014, No. 354, §2.  Acts 2007, No. 95, §1; Acts 2014, No. 354, §§ 1, 2; Acts 2016, No. 407, §1, eff. June 5, 2016.
LA Chil Code art. 572 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 572. Definitions

  As used in this Chapter:  (1) "Child abuse and neglect case" means a child protection proceeding conducted by a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction involving the abuse or neglect of children as provided specifically in Titles VI, X, and XI of this Code.  (2) "Indigent Parents' Program" means the Indigent Parents' Representation Program established in accordance with Article 574.  Acts 2007, No. 95, §1; Acts 2016, No. 407, §1, eff. June 5, 2016.
LA Chil Code art. 573 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 573. Purpose

  The purpose of this Part is to provide for an effective and efficient system of providing qualified legal representation, which shall include curatorship appointments, for indigent or absent parents in child abuse and neglect cases.  Acts 2007, No. 95, §1; Acts 2016, No. 407, §1, eff. June 5, 2016.
LA Chil Code art. 574 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 574. Indigent Parents' Representation Program; establishment

An Indigent Parents' Representation Program is hereby established within the Louisiana Public Defender Board, or its successor in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 15:185.1 through 185.9. Acts 2007, No. 95, §1; Acts 2014, No. 354, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 575 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 575. Duties of the program; qualifications of counsel

  A. The program shall provide qualified legal counsel, which shall include curatorship appointments, to indigent or absent parents in child abuse and neglect cases in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 15:185.1 through 185.9.  B. Legal representation, which shall include curatorship appointments, of indigent or absent parents in child abuse and neglect cases shall comply with standards promulgated by the Louisiana Public Defender Board, or any successor to that board in accordance with R.S. 15:185.1 through 185.9 to ensure competent and fair representation.  Acts 2007, No. 95, §1; Acts 2014, No. 354, §1; Acts 2016, No. 407, §1, eff. June 5, 2016.
LA Chil Code art. 581 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 581. Child Protection Representation Commission; establishment; purpose and functions

  A. The Child Protection Representation Commission, referred to hereinafter as the "commission", is hereby established for the purpose of reviewing the system of representation of children and indigent parents in child protection cases as provided in Chapters 5 and 6 of this Title. The commission shall be composed of the following members:  (1) The secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services or his designee.  (2) The chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court or his designee.  (3) The chairman of the House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure or his designee.  (4) The chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary A or his designee.  (5) The president or designee of the Louisiana Bar Association.  (6) The executive director or designee of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association.  (7) The state public defender or designee of the Louisiana Public Defender Board.  (8) The president or designee of the Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.  (9) The chairwoman of the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus or her designee.  B. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation, except for the members of the legislature who shall receive a per diem in accordance with R.S. 42:3.1.  C. The commission shall request and have the authority to obtain all information necessary to review the system of representation and shall meet periodically but in no event less than once annually. The commission shall ascertain the continued effectiveness and efficiency of the system and the adequacy of funding and may, at its discretion, issue such reports and recommendations as it deems necessary to ensure the programmatic efficacy and fiscal viability of the system.  Acts 2014, No. 354, §1; Acts 2016, No. 153, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 601 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 601. Purpose

The purpose of this Title is to protect children whose physical or mental health and welfare is substantially at risk of harm by physical abuse, neglect, or exploitation and who may be further threatened by the conduct of others, by providing for the reporting of suspected cases of abuse, exploitation, or neglect of children; by providing for the investigation of such complaints; and by providing, if necessary, for the resolution of child in need of care proceedings in the courts. The proceedings shall be conducted expeditiously to avoid delays in achieving permanency for children. This Title is intended to provide the greatest possible protection as promptly as possible for such children. The health, safety, and best interest of the child shall be the paramount concern in all proceedings under this Title. This Title shall be construed in accordance with Article 102. This Title shall be administered and interpreted to avoid unnecessary interference with family privacy and trauma to the child, and yet, at the same time, authorize the protective and preventive intervention needed for the health, safety, and well-being of children. Acts 1991, No. 235, §6, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 449, §1, eff. July 1, 1999.
LA Chil Code art. 602 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 602. General applicability

Except as otherwise specified in this Title, all provisions of the Code remain applicable. Acts 1991, No. 235, §6, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 603.1 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 603.1. Required education; reporting child abuse

  A. Every person graduating from any teacher preparation program in Louisiana shall have had in his curriculum instruction on the requirements of and how to report suspected child abuse cases pursuant to Article 601 et seq., as well as instruction on how to identify the signs and symptoms of child neglect and abuse, including sexual abuse, in order to receive his teacher certification.  B. Teaching or child care providers as defined by Article 603 shall complete an online training course provided by the Department of Children and Family Services between June first and August thirty-first annually. A record of completion of the course by the teaching or child care provider shall be provided to and retained by each entity at which the teaching or child care provider is employed. The entity at which the teaching or child care provider is employed shall retain a list of all teaching or child care providers who have not complied with the training requirements provided in this Article.  Acts 2003, No. 769, §1; Acts 2020, No. 272, §1, eff. June 11, 2020.
LA Chil Code art. 604 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 604. Persons subject to proceedings

A court exercising juvenile jurisdiction shall have exclusive original jurisdiction, in conformity with any special rules prescribed by law, over any child alleged to be in need of care and the parents of any such child. Acts 1991, No. 235, §6, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 605 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 605. Venue

A. A proceeding under this Title may be commenced in the parish in which the child is domiciled with his parent or tutor, the parish in which the child was present when an act alleged took place or conditions alleged existed, or the parish in which the child is found. B. When a petition is filed in a parish other than that of the child's domicile, the court in which the proceeding is filed, upon motion of a party or upon the court's own motion, may transfer the proceeding to the court for the parish in which the child is domiciled. A transfer under this Paragraph may be made at any time. C. When a petition is filed in a parish other than that of the child's domicile and the proceeding is not transferred under Paragraph B of this Article, the court in which the proceeding is filed shall immediately notify the appropriate court for the parish in which the child is domiciled, and if the court for the parish in which the child is domiciled requests a transfer within five days after receipt of the notification, the court in which the proceeding was filed may transfer the proceeding. A transfer under this Paragraph shall be made prior to the adjudication hearing. D. When a petition is filed in a parish other than that of the child's domicile, and the proceeding is not transferred under Paragraph B or C of this Article, the court in which the proceeding was filed may, after the adjudication hearing, transfer the proceeding to the court of the parish where the child is domiciled for the disposition hearing. Acts 1991, No. 235, §6, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 805 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 805. Venue

A. A delinquency proceeding shall be commenced in the parish in which the offense complained of took place. The juvenile court shall conduct the adjudication hearing and may also conduct the disposition hearing unless it decides to transfer the case as provided for in Paragraph B of this Article. B. Upon motion of the district attorney, the child, or upon the court's own motion, after the confection of an informal adjustment agreement or an adjudication that the child is delinquent, the court may transfer the proceeding to the parish in which the child is domiciled. Acts 1991, No. 235, §8, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 806 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 806. Change of venue; improper venue

When a petition is filed in a court of improper venue, on the court's own motion or upon written motion of a party and after contradictory hearing, the court may dismiss the petition or transfer the proceedings to a court of proper venue. Acts 1991, No. 235, §8, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 807 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 807. Change of venue; proper venue

A. A request for change of venue must be made by written motion of the district attorney or the child, sworn to by mover or his counsel, before jeopardy begins. The motion shall contain allegations of facts upon which the motion is based and a statement that the motion is not made for the purpose of delay but to obtain a fair and impartial trial. The motion must be resolved after a contradictory hearing unless waived by the district attorney and the child. B. A change of venue shall be granted if the court finds that, because of undue influence of an adverse party, prejudice existing in the public mind, or for any other reason, a fair and impartial trial cannot be obtained. The court shall consider whether the reasons are such that they will effect the testimony of witnesses at the trial. C. The court may order a change of venue in accordance with Articles 623 through 627 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, except that the proceedings may be transferred to any parish. Acts 1991, No. 235, §8, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 1006 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 1006. Venue

A proceeding under this Title may be commenced in the parish in which the child is domiciled with his parent or tutor, the parish in which the child was present when an act alleged in the petition took place or conditions alleged in the petition existed, or the parish in which the child is found. Acts 1991, No. 235, §10, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992.