Families who come to the attention of the child welfare system often are experiencing poverty and other significant challenges, such as substance use disorder or domestic violence, which can cause trauma to the children and family.

The Child Welfare Division works to meet the needs of Louisiana's most vulnerable citizens. The Child Welfare division works to protect children against abuse and/or neglect, find permanent homes for Louisiana's foster children and to educate the public on Safe Sleep and Louisiana's Safe Haven Law.

A social worker in child welfare shall demonstrate the core values of service, social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of relationships, integrity, and competence.