Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SR86

Introduced
5/11/21  
Introduced
5/11/21  
Passed
5/11/21  

Caption

Requests the office of juvenile justice to report to the Senate Committee on Finance not later than May 31, 2021, on violent incidents occurring at secure care facilities and similar housing.

Impact

The implications of SR86 are significant as it seeks to enhance accountability and transparency regarding the treatment of youth in secure care facilities. The resolution highlights concerns raised by a 2018 legislative auditor’s report that noted a substantial increase in violence, particularly at the Bridge City Center for Youth. By calling for detailed reporting, the resolution underscores an urgent need to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation services and the overall safety and well-being of both staff and youth in these facilities.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 86 aims to address escalating violence within secure care facilities for juveniles in Louisiana. The resolution requests that the office of juvenile justice, under the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, submit a comprehensive report by May 31, 2021. This report is to detail violent incidents occurring from January 1, 2016, to May 1, 2021, and must include the date of each incident, the age of the youth involved, and details on whether the youth remained in the secure care facility or were transferred to another facility post-incident.

Sentiment

Support for SR86 is rooted in a shared commitment to improving outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system. Advocates believe that understanding the factors contributing to violent incidents is crucial for developing strategies that can mitigate these occurrences. However, some may perceive any lack of immediate action following the report as a failure to adequately address the root causes of violence, highlighting a critical area of concern within juvenile care.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SR86 could arise from differing opinions on the effectiveness of current rehabilitation practices and the sufficiency of the proposed reporting measures. Some may argue that the resolution merely scratches the surface of a deeper issue endemic to juvenile justice, where systemic reform may be required rather than just a report on violent incidents. This raises questions about the larger context of youth rehabilitation and the adequacy of resources allocated to addressing the complex needs of this vulnerable population.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SR132

Requests the office of juvenile justice to provide specific information in a report to the Senate committees on Finance and Judiciary B relative to complaints, investigations, and litigation at secure and non-secure care facilities under the jurisdiction of the office of juvenile justice, youth services.

LA SR146

Requests the office of juvenile justice to submit a report to the legislature on complaints, investigations, and litigation related to certain facilities housing juveniles.

LA SR170

Requests the office of juvenile justice to report to the Louisiana Senate Committee on Judiciary B on the status of vocational training opportunities available to children in the care of the office in secure, nonsecure, community-based, and private facilities.

LA HCR47

Requests the office of juvenile justice to study the impacts of COVID-19 on its operations

LA HR50

Requests the legislative auditor to conduct an audit on the use of all forms of solitary confinement of juveniles in facilities housing juveniles

LA SR197

Requests the office of juvenile justice to develop a plan to provide services and opportunities that encourage youth to become more engaged in their rehabilitation, education, and job skills training and submit the plan to the legislature.

LA SR166

Requests the office of juvenile justice in the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to submit quarterly reports to the Senate regarding the progress and implementation of the tiered juvenile justice system established by Act No. 693 of the 2022 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature.

LA HB1586

Relating to the operation and administration of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and its facilities, to the operation of post-adjudication secure correctional facilities for juvenile offenders, and to the commitment and placement of juvenile offenders.

LA SCR148

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.

LA SB1630

Relating to the commitment of juveniles in post-adjudication secure correctional facilities operated by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and by local probation departments.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.