NOTE: §1002 (Section Heading) and Subsections A and (B)(intro. para.) eff. until Oct. 1, 2027. See Acts 2025, No. 477.

§1002. Vocational testing and counseling; purpose; duties of the office of children and family services

            A. The Department of Children and Family Services, office of children and family services, shall provide, in each of its regional offices, vocational testing and counseling on the subjects of higher education and employment for those individuals in long-term foster care at the youngest age deemed appropriate to process the information.

            B. Through vocational testing, the office of children and family services shall seek to identify areas of potential interest and potential employment that are specific to an individual in foster care and, to this end, the office shall:

NOTE: §1002 (Section Heading) and Subsections A and (B)(intro. para.) as amended by Acts 2025, No. 477, eff. Oct. 1, 2027.

§1002. Vocational testing and counseling; purpose; duties of Louisiana Works

            A. Louisiana Works shall provide, in each of its regional offices, vocational testing and counseling on the subjects of higher education and employment for those individuals in long-term foster care at the youngest age deemed appropriate to process the information.

            B. Through vocational testing, Louisiana Works shall seek to identify areas of potential interest and potential employment that are specific to an individual in foster care and, to this end, the office shall:

            (1) Conduct a minimum of three, one-hour long counseling sessions annually with each individual, covering the subjects of potential employment both during and after high school, as well as possibilities for education beyond high school.

            (2) Encourage and assist individuals in long-term foster care to find part-time work while they are still in high school as a means of discovering their interests and capabilities, as well as fostering a sense of independence.

NOTE: Subsection C eff. until Oct. 1, 2027. See Acts 2025, No. 477.

            C. The office of children and family services shall adopt all necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Chapter.

NOTE: Subsection C as amended by Acts 2025, No. 477, eff. Oct. 1, 2027.

            C. Louisiana Works shall adopt all necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Chapter.

            Acts 2005, No. 82, §1; Acts 2025, No. 477, §15, eff. Oct. 1, 2027.