In a pivotal meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children held on September 29, 2025, significant discussions emerged regarding the role of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in child custody cases, particularly in instances of alleged abuse. The committee explored the complexities surrounding the intersection of family law and child protection, with a focus on improving outcomes for vulnerable children.

One of the key points raised was the ongoing validation of a new screening tool by DCFS aimed at identifying labor and sex trafficking. This tool, once validated, is expected to be among the first of its kind in the nation, highlighting Louisiana's commitment to addressing these critical issues.

Richard Decody, an attorney with extensive experience in child custody and abuse cases, emphasized the need for reform in how family courts handle allegations of abuse. He argued that the current involvement of DCFS in custody proceedings often leads to biases against protective parents, particularly mothers, whose claims of abuse may be dismissed as unsubstantiated due to DCFS findings. Decody proposed that DCFS should be removed from family court proceedings to allow judges to make determinations based solely on evidence presented in court, rather than relying on potentially flawed DCFS investigations.

The committee also heard from individuals who shared personal experiences of navigating the family court system, revealing troubling patterns of bias and conflict of interest. Testimonies highlighted cases where protective orders were ignored, and allegations of abuse were not adequately investigated, leading to continued risk for children involved.

Concerns were raised about the influence of familial connections and financial resources on judicial outcomes, with some committee members suggesting that appointing family court judges rather than electing them could mitigate these issues. The discussion underscored the need for transparency and accountability within the family court system to ensure that the best interests of children are prioritized.

As the meeting concluded, committee members expressed a commitment to further explore these issues, including the potential for legislative changes that would clarify the roles of DCFS and family courts in cases of alleged abuse. The discussions set the stage for future actions aimed at reforming the system to better protect children and support families in crisis.