Louisiana Schools Review Background Check and Mandated Reporter Training Processes

The Senate Task Force on Child Abuse Investigation Processes convened on August 13, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding background checks and mandated reporter training in Louisiana's educational institutions. The meeting highlighted the importance of ensuring that all schools, including charter and state schools, comply with background check requirements for staff.

One significant topic was the scope of background checks, which will now include national checks through the FBI. This change aims to enhance the safety of children by ensuring that all personnel working in early learning centers and schools undergo thorough vetting.

Another key discussion point revolved around mandated reporter training. Task force members explored the possibility of streamlining this training into a single system to ensure consistency and accountability across schools. Currently, training is available online, but there is interest from various schools in having on-site training options. The task force is coordinating with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to evaluate these training offerings.

The meeting underscored the varying capacities of Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) across the state, with some providing educational resources and training while others do not. This inconsistency raises questions about the accessibility of mandated reporter training for all educators.

As the task force continues its work, the discussions from this meeting will inform future policies aimed at improving child protection measures in Louisiana's educational system. The next steps will involve further collaboration with DCFS and ongoing evaluation of training programs to ensure all educators are adequately prepared to report suspected abuse.