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.
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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…
In the 1990s, an academic named John Dilulio published an article describing the “superpredator.” He explained that a “moral poverty” in U.S. cities would result in a flood of 30,000 murderous teenagers, born criminals lacking in empathy or restraint. This gave a name to an existing societal fear of Black children. Today, with new laws…
We first met “Nadia” as an 8th grader arrested for theft under $1,000. Her crime? Simply being present when her friend was caught stealing a pack of gum. What could and should have been a teachable moment for two adolescent girls instead became a frightening legal ordeal. Here is how we helped.
