Urges and requests the La. State Law Institute to evaluate progress toward achieving the "Missouri Model" of juvenile justice reform.
Impact
SCR131 highlights the legislative intention to continue reforming Louisiana's juvenile justice system, building upon prior efforts initiated in the early 2000s. The resolution calls for a comprehensive evaluation, which will require collaboration among various entities, including the judiciary, law enforcement, and community organizations. This coordinated approach aims to ensure that the reform efforts adequately address the needs of juveniles while also safeguarding public safety. The findings from the evaluation will be reported back to the Legislature, potentially informing future legislation to strengthen these reforms.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 131 (SCR131) urges and requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to evaluate the state's progress in achieving juvenile justice reform as aligned with the 'Missouri Model'. This model is recognized nationally for its success in rehabilitating juvenile offenders through services provided in small, community-based settings, significantly contributing to a lower recidivism rate. The bill emphasizes the necessity for the Louisiana Legislature to invest in a more rehabilitative approach, rather than a punitive one, for juveniles, mirroring methods that have shown to be effective in other states.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR131 appears largely supportive, as the push for juvenile justice reform reflects a growing recognition of the importance of rehabilitation over punishment. Advocates of the Missouri Model are optimistic about its potential application in Louisiana, suggesting that such reforms can lead to positive outcomes for youth and the community. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding the implementation of such reforms, including resource allocation and the degree of systemic change that will be required.
Contention
Notably, while SCR131 advocates for a model that has seen success in lowering recidivism rates nationally, discussions could arise around practicality issues such as funding for additional resources, retraining of staff, and willingness among stakeholders to shift their focus from traditional punitive measures. As the evaluation process progresses, the participation of various stakeholders mentioned in the resolution will be critical to address potential points of contention and ensure that the reforms are equitable and effective across different demographics.
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.
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 La.'s compliance with the U. S. Supreme Court's ruling regarding juvenile life sentences without parole
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
Directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to evaluate Louisiana's compliance with the United States Supreme Court ruling regarding juvenile life sentences without parole.
Requests Senate Committee on Judiciary C and the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to study solitary confinement of juveniles and implementation of mental health evaluations for juveniles prior to detention.
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.