Requests the chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court to create a Families in Need of Services Commission that will study and issue recommendations regarding the governance, structure, target population, and necessary legislation.
Impact
The proposed commission will review and refine the FINS target population, ensuring alignment with both national best practices and the specific needs of Louisiana’s youth and families. Additionally, it will examine existing models from other states to inform its recommendations. This can lead to critical changes in how Louisiana addresses the needs of families facing challenges with youth misbehavior, ensuring that interventions are tailored and culturally relevant. By promoting community-based solutions, SCR44 seeks to reduce the stigma associated with youth criminalization and improve access to necessary services.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 44 (SCR44) urges the chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court to establish a Families in Need of Services (FINS) Commission. The purpose of this commission is to study and formulate recommendations concerning the governance, structure, target population, and necessary legislation for the FINS system in Louisiana. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness of the current FINS framework, which assists families with children who may be involved in misconduct, by providing appropriate community-based services rather than funneling them into the juvenile justice system.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR44 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among legislators and advocacy groups focused on youth services. Proponents argue that restructuring the FINS system could lead to more efficient and effective interventions for youth before they enter the juvenile justice system. However, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of funding, resources, and overall commitment to implementing the recommendations of the commission, as well as how these changes could be perceived or accepted by various stakeholders in the community.
Contention
A notable point of contention may arise around the extent of proposed changes to the existing FINS system. Stakeholders may debate the appropriate balance between providing necessary support services while ensuring accountability for youth behaviors. Additionally, considerations regarding how to fund these initiatives and the timelines for their implementation could lead to discussions among legislators, the judiciary, and service providers. The effectiveness of these changes will largely depend on collaboration between various state departments and adherence to evidence-based practices outlined by the FINS Commission.
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.
Creates the Tax Structure and Governmental Program Review Commission to study the tax structure, including tax laws and related exemptions, exclusion, and credits, and governmental programs and operations in Louisiana.
Requests the Board of Regents to conduct a study of two-year college services offered in the greater south central Louisiana area and determine how best to meet both the educational needs of students and workforce development needs of business and industry in the area.
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.