LOUISIANA CHILDREN'S CODE

TITLE VI. CHILD IN NEED OF CARE

CHAPTER 1. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS;  DEFINITIONS

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.

Added by Acts 1991, No. 235, § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.  Amended by Acts 1999, No. 449, § 1, eff. July 1, 1999.