Louisiana Senate Bill SCR148

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/19/14
• Passed: 5/20/14
• Engrossed: 5/20/14
• Refer: 5/21/14

Caption

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.

Impact

The resolution is significant in that it aims to hold the Department of Public Safety accountable for implementing reforms which include the regular review of juveniles in custody, ensuring they are placed in the least restrictive and most suitable environment. It further calls for a centralized service delivery system that streamlines access and improves rehabilitation outcomes for youth, signifying a major shift towards more rehabilitative and coordinated approaches within Louisiana's juvenile justice framework.

Summary

SCR148 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges and requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Youth Services, office of juvenile justice to report on the progress of Louisiana's compliance with juvenile justice reform goals as outlined in Act No. 1225 of 2003. The resolution emphasizes the importance of tracking the effectiveness of reforms aimed at improving the state's juvenile justice system and ensuring favorable conditions for the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. This proactive approach is geared towards enhancing the safety and well-being of both affected youth and the general public.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR148 is largely supportive, as it addresses the ongoing need for evaluation and improvement within the juvenile justice system. Stakeholders including lawmakers, juvenile justice advocates, and family services organizations generally view the resolution as a positive step toward ongoing reform efforts. However, there is an underlying tension as some individuals may question the effectiveness and sufficiency of previous reforms and the state's commitment to fulfilling the originating Act's goals.

Contention

A notable point of contention could arise around the ability of the Department of Public Safety to effectively gather and utilize data across multiple agencies, which is a key component of the proposed reforms. Some critics may argue that without adequate resources and interagency collaboration, the goals set forth by this resolution may not be met. Hence, the resolution not only aims to improve conditions for youth but also highlights potential structural and operational challenges that need to be addressed to achieve successful reform.