We challenge laws and policies that systemically criminalize youth of color and poor youth. From the courthouse to the statehouse, we advocate for a Louisiana where children are supported in their community, not locked in jails and prisons.
We provide specialized, no-cost legal representation to children in the justice system and adults who were sentenced as children. We work with every client to address their unique needs both inside and outside the courtroom.
Often when a child is arrested, it’s a sign that another crisis is going on in their life. That was the case for 13-year-old Corey. His family was evicted while he was on probation, making it almost impossible for him to fulfill all of the court’s requirements. Luckily, he had his LCCR team on his side.
Get the latest from the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights.
LCCR’s policy team has been hard at work during the 2025 legislative session, working to defend against tough-on-crime policies and rollbacks that had the potential to harm Louisiana’s children. Throughout this session, LCCR tracked three bills that represented the greatest threat to youth justice reform. Here are the results that were achieved.
Last year, Louisiana’s Office of Juvenile Justice spent $165.6 million to operate the state’s prison system. Gov. Landry is now proposing spending $93 million more this year. Here are some better ways we can invest taxpayer dollars that will enhance public safety in Louisiana.
This is the first article in our Staff Spotlight series, where we will interview staff to learn more about their background, skills, and motivation to do this essential work for kids in Louisiana. In this article, we will discuss Kisha’s work as a youth advocate and how her unique lived experience fuels her advocacy for…
