Louisiana (LA) — State Brief
Juvenile Justice (2015–2025)
Parish Detention & JDAI Notes
Several parishes operate with JDAI-style detention decision rules and standardized screening. Local implementation varies by parish capacity and policy alignment.
Pipeline Snapshot
- Intake & Screening: Parish juvenile courts/FINS; DRSI for detention decisions in many areas; SAVRY used at disposition; MAYSI-2 MH screen.
- Detention: JDAI-style rules in several parishes; detention for serious charges/flight risk; parish-run centers; 2017 commission standards.
- Adjudication & Disposition: Juvenile court; Raise the Age complete by 2020; dispositions: probation or OJJ custody; evening centers & specialty programs used in some parishes.
- Commitment & Placement: OJJ custody for felony/chronic; 4 state secure sites (capacity issues) + contracted non-secure homes; SAVRY informs level.
- Reentry & Aftercare: OJJ reentry program aims to start 30 days pre-release; regional probation & parole officers supervise ≥6 months; staffing shortages hurt fidelity.
- Authority: State-operated OJJ oversees probation, custody, aftercare; local agencies run detention/diversion.
- Policies: Louisiana Children’s Code; Act 501 (2016) Raise the Age; Act 1225 (2003) JJ overhaul; LAMOD practice.
- Data Handoff: JETS not well integrated with courts; delays in education records; limited transparent recidivism reporting.
Notes & Sources
- LA OJJ reports; legislative acts; ACLU/press on Angola episode; JDAI parish docs.