Urges and requests the La. State Law Institute to evaluate progress toward achieving the "Missouri Model" of juvenile justice reform
Impact
The proposed evaluation and subsequent reporting by the Louisiana State Law Institute, due by January 1, 2012, aims to identify necessary steps to further enhance the juvenile justice system in Louisiana. By convening a diverse task force that includes stakeholders from various sectors involved in juvenile justice, the resolution seeks to ensure a comprehensive review that considers the voices of all relevant parties, from judges to social services. This collaborative approach is intended to align Louisiana's system more closely with the Missouri Model and strengthen the effectiveness of juvenile rehabilitation programs.
Summary
HCR245 urges and requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to evaluate the state's progress towards implementing juvenile justice reform according to the 'Missouri Model'. This model emphasizes rehabilitation in small, community-based settings and has garnered attention for its effectiveness, evidenced by one of the lowest recidivism rates in the country. The resolution reflects a legislative intent to improve Louisiana's juvenile justice system, which has undergone significant changes since 2003, with previous acts laying the groundwork for reform.
Sentiment
In general, the sentiment surrounding HCR245 appears supportive, as it aims to further investigate and improve a crucial aspect of the state’s justice system. Legislators recognize the need for ongoing evaluation and reform to protect the well-being of juveniles while ensuring public safety. However, the effectiveness of these proposed reforms and the extent of the genuine commitment to substantial changes might be points of scrutiny among advocates for juvenile justice reform.
Contention
While HCR245 sets a positive framework for evaluating juvenile justice reform, potential contentions may arise regarding the implementation of recommendations following the evaluation. Stakeholders may debate the adequacy of resources allocated for reform, the commitment from various branches of government to effectuate changes, and the balance between rehabilitation and public safety. Additionally, achieving agreement among multiple stakeholders which include judicial members and advocacy groups could lead to challenges in executing the desired reforms effectively.
Requests that the La. State Law Institute evaluate La.'s compliance with the U. S. Supreme Court's ruling regarding juvenile life sentences without parole
Requests the DPSC, Youth Services, office of juvenile justice to report to the legislature on Louisiana's progress in conforming to and complying with the original goals and purposes for juvenile justice reform outlined in Act 1225 of 2003.
Requests the Juvenile Justice Reform Act Implementation Commission to commission a study to assess the current state of the juvenile justice system and issue recommendations for a five-year plan for reform
To direct the Louisiana State Law Institute to study and make recommendations on the revision of law regarding the transfer of a juvenile from the juvenile justice system to the adult criminal justice system.
Requests that the La. State Law Institute evaluate current terminology and recommend new terminology when referencing persons with disabilities in La. law
Requests BESE to study feasibility of consolidating administration and evaluation of the LA4 and 8(g) prekindergarten programs, to ensure that school districts receive necessary support, and to adopt identical standards for programs
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.