The Louisiana Children’s Cabinet met on October 9, 2025

Chaired by Jolie V. Williamson, Director of Children’s Programs and Executive Director of the Children's Cabinet, the Cabinet voted to approve the budget recommendations and priorities presented by each subcommittee — including Vulnerable Youth, Behavioral Health Services, Family Stability, Early Childhood Experiences, and Early Learning & Literacy. All recommendations were unanimously accepted.

The meeting also included updates from VIA LINK, Inc./Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana, the Council on Children of Incarcerated Parents and Caregivers, and the Council on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

Together, these efforts continue to advance coordination and support for Louisiana’s children and families.

The Children's Cabinet held an insightful meeting with meaningful discussions. Ursula Anderson, Executive Director of the Louisiana Children's Trust Fund, presented recommendations for the LCTF Grant Proposal. Melissa Cormier emphasized the importance of recess, while Dr. Anna Osland shared research on Whole Health Louisiana. Dr. Ernise Singleton, Assistant Superintendent of Career & College Readiness at the Louisiana Department of Education, provided updates on the Solutions Summit on Truancy. Jolie V. Williamson, Director of Children's Programs and Executive Director of the Children's Cabinet, presented the Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana Proclamation to Sherrard Crespo, officially recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Louisiana Youth Outdoor Engagement Month Proclamation to Melissa Cormier. Thank you to everyone who contributed to these important discussions. 

At the February 6, 2025 meeting of the Louisiana Children’s Cabinet, Chair Jolie V. Williamson was out sick with the flu. Executive Director of LCTF, Ursula Anderson stepped in as Director Williamson's Designee. Executive Director Anderson led a full agenda focused on advancing solutions for children and families across the state. Highlights included remarks from Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John Weimer on the importance of truancy intervention, updates on the upcoming 2025 Solutions Summit by CCAB Chair ReShonn Saul, and presentations from key partners including Anthony Celestine of Calcasieu Parish CYPB, Dr. Christian Vige’ of Magnolia Children’s Group, and Jill Hines of Health Freedom Louisiana. The Board also approved new advisory board members, subcommittee recommendations, and discussed the formation of the Partners in Protecting Children Subcommittee.

Dr. Sarah Hinshaw shared insights on Early Childhood Experiences and Support Services, while Michele Gros presented recommendations for supporting vulnerable youth. Connie Bellone highlighted the essential role of behavioral health in K-12 education, stressing the importance of Medicaid in Schools and funding for a statewide EHR system. LCTF Director Ursula Anderson also updated the Five-Year State Plan, inviting public comments to foster community involvement. 

Oct 21, 2024

The Louisiana Children’s Cabinet held their first meeting at the Capitol, featuring introductions of both new and returning members. Executive Director Jolie V. Williamson extended a warm welcome and emphasized the importance of building community relationships, enhancing communication channels to provide information about available resources, and educating frontline workers to better serve Louisiana's children and families.

During the meeting, speakers from BCFS Health and Human Services and Via Link, Inc/PCAL addressed crucial topics. The speakers delved into programs focused on Human Trafficking Prevention and Prevention of Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL), shedding light on vital initiatives for the welfare of the state's youth.