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.
It’s been a great year here at LCCR. We served more than 700 kids between New Orleans and East Baton Rouge, defended against punitive policies like Amendment 3 and SB74, and launched our #ItTakesAVillageNOLA narrative change campaign. Click here to read about what your support helped us achieve in FY 2025.
We first met “Lucia” as an 8th grader arrested for unauthorized use of a car and possession of a handgun. Lucia had been plagued by family troubles throughout her childhood and just wanted to feel accepted. Here’s how we helped.
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.
