RESOURCES - LOUISIANA CHILDREN'S TRUST FUND (louisianactf.org)
The Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund (LCTF) was established in 1983 following the passage of the Children’s Trust FundAct. This Act established a separate source of funds that is governed by a Board of Directors which is composed of cross-sector multi-disciplinary representatives. The responsibilities of the board include the development of a comprehensive State Plan for Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and oversight of child abuse and neglect prevention programs. The board also ensures that best practices and evidence-based models are introduced and utilized by grantees and that programs are implemented with high quality and fidelity.
The Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund operates as a quasi-government agency housed within the Governor’s Office of Programs and Planning. Each year, federal dollars are received through the Administration for Children and Families Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) grant in addition to the Statutory Dedicated funds obtained from duplicate birth certificate fees. LCTF utilizes these funds to provide reimbursement contracts to primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention programs. These programs provide support to strengthen the family system in an effort to prevent child abuse and neglect. All programs are funded after a highly competitive grant application process. Programs are also required to submit semi-annual evaluation reports to demonstrate outcomes for their populations served.
"To prevent child abuse and neglect among Louisiana's children and families through building strong cross-sector partnerships and through increased child safety public awareness."
To support community-based efforts to develop, operate, expand, enhance, and coordinate initiatives, programs, and activities to prevent child abuse and neglect.
To support the coordination of resources and activities to better strengthen and support families to reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.
To foster understanding, appreciation and knowledge of diverse populations to effectively prevent and threat child abuse and neglect.
The Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund recently hosted a State Caucus for Children in Lafayette and Baton Rouge Parishes, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to address the pressing issues of child abuse and neglect.
LCTF will host a virtual State Caucus for North Louisiana on October 14th and South Louisiana October 15th.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Yesterday, our team proudly wore purple and lit the Governor’s Mansion purple to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month, standing together to raise awareness and promote safety for all.
2024 CONNECTIONS COUNT CONFERENCE
SITE VISIT TO THE FAMILY AND YOUTH COUNSELING AGENCY
SUSAN NELSON SHOWCASING GEAUX FAR LA
2024 CONNECTIONS COUNT CONFERENCE LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA
The Louisiana Children’s Cabinet and Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund actively participated in the Connections Count Conference in Lake Charles, LA, fostering relationships and rapport across various regions. Attendees,including professionals such as counselors, teachers, law enforcement, and healthcare practitioners, gathered to enrich their mental and behavioral health knowledge for the well-being of children, youth, and families. Educational sessions covered topics such as Sex Trafficking, Impact of Trauma, Ethical Social Work Practices, and Perinatal Loss.
During the conference, the Children’s Cabinet and LCTF engaged with Family Youth and Counseling Agency's President and CEO Julio Galan, Senior Vice President Candis Carr, and toured the SWLA Child Advocacy Center. They also participated in a presentation by Susan East Nelson, Executive Director of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families, focusing on the Geaux Far Louisiana Movement's collaborative efforts and Strategic Plan dedicated to serving Louisiana's youth and families.
BATON ROUGE, LA — The Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund has launched a statewide #PutThePhoneDown campaign to address the growing problem of excessive cellphone use and its adverse effects on Louisiana’s children.
Governor Jeff Landry has proclaimed August as #PutThePhoneDown Month, encouraging families, educators, and communities to reduce screen distractions and focus on meaningful, face-to-face connections.
Studies show that giving children screens as a distraction harms their language skills, emotional security, and social development. Educators across the state report rising classroom distractions, lower student engagement, and challenges in students’ focus and relationships.
Research links excessive cellphone use among children and teens to increased anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, disrupted sleep, less physical activity, and poorer academic performance.
“#PutThePhoneDown Month is about reclaiming our attention and our relationships,” said Executive Director of the Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund, Ursula Anderson. “Too many people are trading face-to-face connections and meaningful conversations for endless scrolling. It’s time to reset the balance.”
The campaign aims to promote a real presence in homes and schools, strengthen mental health and family bonds, and encourage responsible use of technology.