DCFS outlines 'Care Connections' and aims to add 1,100 foster homes while streamlining kinship certification

DCFS deputies presented the department's Care Connections model and described a new electronic certification portal set to soft‑launch in October, intended to speed foster and kinship certification and matching. Officials said the initiative includes dedicated certification staff, a matching team, and a goal to increase foster homes by 1,100 and reduce the foster‑care population by 400.

Leslie Lyons and other DCFS leaders explained the plan to streamline certification steps and to make kinship care payments and short‑term supports available while relatives complete certification. Lyons said the department is launching an electronic process to shorten certification timelines and that county/regional offices will run monthly topical training to align practices across parishes.

Judges and attendees asked about temporary supports while relatives complete certification and about inconsistent local practices that lead to some relatives being overlooked. DCFS said funds exist for kinship supports administered through LDH and that some short‑term prevention dollars and community partner funds can bridge immediate needs.

"We are committed to increase the number of foster homes by 1,100 by the end of the year and reduce the foster care population by 400," DCFS staff told judges, describing recruitment, certification streamlining, and improved matching across parishes.

Why it matters: Faster certification, better matching and kinship support could keep children closer to families and reduce time in formal foster care; judges asked DCFS to clarify local‑level practice and funding administration to avoid inconsistent outcomes.