Louisiana § RS 46:1402 - Legislative intent; declaration of purpose and policy

§ RS 46:1402. Legislative intent; declaration of purpose and policy

            It is the intent of the legislature to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the children and youth of the state who are in out-of-home care on a regular or consistent basis. Toward that end, it is the purpose of this Chapter to establish statewide minimum standards for the safety and well-being of children and youth, to ensure maintenance of these standards, and to regulate conditions in these facilities through a program of licensing. It shall be the policy of the state to ensure protection of all individuals under care by specialized providers and to encourage and assist in the improvement of programs. It is the further intent of the legislature that the freedom of religion of all citizens shall be inviolate. This Chapter shall not give the Louisiana Department of Health or the Department of Children and Family Services jurisdiction or authority to regulate, control, supervise, or in any way be involved in the form, manner, or content of any curriculum or instruction of a school or specialized provider sponsored by a church or religious organization so long as the civil and human rights of the clients and residents are not violated.

            Acts 1985, No. 286, §1; Acts 1990, No. 351, §2, eff. July 10, 1990; Acts 2014, No. 868, §5, eff. Oct. 1, 2014; Acts 2016, No. 502, §1; Acts 2018, No. 206, §5.