Gov. Edwards Announces the Resignation of DCFS Secretary Marketa Walters

Gov. Edwards Broadcasts the Resignation of DCFS Secretary Marketa Walters

As we speak, Gov. John Bel Edwards introduced that he has accepted the resignation of Division of Youngsters and Household Companies Secretary Marketa Walters. Walters, who has led the company since 2016, has a protracted and distinguished profession of working to enhance the lives of Louisiana kids and households, acknowledged nationally for her experience. Her many accomplishments embody implementing vital adjustments to the company’s method to foster care by way of the High quality Parenting Initiative and dealing intently with Gov. Edwards and First Girl Donna Edwards in establishing Louisiana Fosters, which gives assist for foster kids and oldsters. Below her management, Louisiana has had a file variety of adoptions from the foster care system, with greater than 5,379 kids and youth being united with their perpetually households since Gov. Edwards’ first time period in workplace.

“I’m grateful for Marketa’s service to our state that has been fueled by her ardour to create a greater future for all kids and households throughout Louisiana,” stated Gov. Edwards. “She has labored tirelessly to enhance our foster care system and consequently, we have now been in a position to assist hundreds of foster kids discover secure and nurturing everlasting properties with loving adoptive households. As well as, Marketa has been on the entrance strains serving to to offer shelter, vitamin and different a lot wanted help to these immediately impacted by pure disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication as a public servant has by no means wavered, and there are numerous Louisianans who’ve benefitted from her arduous work and that of the various women and men who make up the company.

“There is no such thing as a denying that baby welfare businesses nationwide are going through very troublesome and complicated challenges and Louisiana isn’t any exception. These points embody employees retention, excessive employee caseloads, elevated substance and home abuse, and sadly the tragic deaths of harmless kids. Whereas there are not any fast options, it’s pressing that we discover new and efficient methods of addressing the issues to make sure we offer the assistance our households want and deserve and to maneuver our company ahead. We’ve got engaged a third-party knowledgeable group to do a top-to-bottom assessment of DCFS and make suggestions on enhancements to insurance policies, practices, and personnel that may be made to make sure we’re serving the kids and households of Louisiana within the method they deserve.”

“The DCFS govt staff will proceed its work in evaluating and addressing the crucial wants of the company all through this assessment. As Deputy Secretary, Terri Porche Ricks will function appearing Secretary whereas the seek for a brand new Secretary is being performed. I’ll identify a brand new Secretary to steer the company as quickly as attainable.” 

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