Louisiana House Bill HCR129

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/8/12
• Engrossed: 5/15/12
• Refer: 5/16/12
• Report Pass: 5/23/12
• Passed: 5/24/12

Caption

Requests that certain enumerated state agencies implement recommendations related to the Informal Families in Need of Services process

Impact

The resolution seeks to enhance the coordination between relevant state agencies, including the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the Governor's Children's Cabinet. By establishing clearer linkages for the referral of services and ensuring comprehensive data-sharing across agencies, HCR129 aims to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of support provided to families with youths in need. The implementation of these recommendations is expected to offer more structured and consistent models for assessing and delivering services to youth and their families.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution No. 129 (HCR129) was introduced to urge and request several Louisiana state agencies to implement recommendations regarding the Informal Families in Need of Services (FINS) process. This resolution emerged from a report by the FINS Commission, which advocates for a community-based approach to supporting youth engaging in status offenses, such as truancy and ungovernable behavior. HCR129 emphasizes the importance of utilizing voluntary services outside the juvenile justice system, promoting immediate interventions tailored to the specific needs of families and youths involved.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR129 appears to be largely supportive, with a sense of urgency to address the challenges faced by families with status offending youth. Advocates for the bill advocate for a shift in focus from punitive approaches to supportive services, striving to enhance collaboration among community resources. However, concerns may exist regarding the adequacy of funding and resources available to ultimately fulfill the proposed recommendations effectively.

Contention

Notably, the resolution recognizes the necessity of detailed outcomes assessment and data collection to track the efficiency and effectiveness of addressing the needs of status offenders in the community. While the bill's proponents may assert the benefits of prevention and community-based services, opponents could raise issues about the feasibility of implementing such comprehensive changes and whether they would sufficiently address the complexities of youth behavior and family dynamics.