On Wednesday, August 28th, the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights (LCCR) and Daughters Beyond Incarceration (DBI) decided to take a different approach in raising awareness about juvenile justice by hosting a youth justice town hall. Unlike the legislative session recaps of the past, this event was focused on engaging the community and shedding light on recent changes in Louisiana’s juvenile justice system, with a particular focus on how these changes will affect young people.
The town hall aimed to inform the public about two key laws passed during February’s special session on crime. The first is the Raise the Age Law repeal, which makes Louisiana the first state ever to return to the practice of treating all 17-year-old children like adults in the legal system, regardless of how minor their offense. The other new law mandates making publicly available the arrest records of children merely accused (not yet convicted) of certain crimes.
The panel featured a mix of perspectives, including three young people, LCCR Civil Attorney Remi Abiodun, Louisiana State Senator Royce Duplessis, and former Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Arthur Hunter. Together, they led a conversation about how these laws will shape the future for youth both in New Orleans and statewide, and what solutions are needed to protect children.
“We see this problem, but no one’s asking us how to solve it,” shared one youth panelist. DBI’s Director of Programming, Julienne Louis-Anderson, echoed this sentiment: “It is shocking that laws about young people are being made without consulting them or even informing them about how their lives will be affected.
Young people were surprised that these laws were even passed, given how regressive they are.” Kristen Rome, LCCR’s Executive Director, underscored the importance of staying informed: “Civic engagement goes beyond voting—it’s about knowing what policies are being enacted in your community.”
More than 70 community members attended this stranding-room only event. The energy was organic and upbeat. “The room felt buzzy and excited,” Ms. Rome said, reflecting on the atmosphere. She hopes the event will spark greater community involvement and interest in working together to push back against harmful legislation. She added: “I want to see more intergenerational conversations where we’re not just telling young people what we think they need but seeing them as the authority on what it’s like to be a young person today.”
LCCR remains committed to keeping children out of the legal system so they can thrive in their homes and communities. We are grateful to the panelists, attendees, and all who participated in this important discussion, and we look forward to continuing this conversation together, as a community.
Looking ahead, on October 29th we will be hosting another Youth Justice Town Hall in Baton Rouge at River Center Branch Library (250 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70802). If you can, join us. All are welcome.
All photographs by Sydney Walker
