Children belong at home and in school, not in courts and jails.
In Louisiana, children ages 10 to 16 can be arrested, prosecuted, and incarcerated within the juvenile system.
We fight for children and families every day, while working to change the systems that put children behind bars in the first place. We advocate for policies that reduce arrests and incarceration, expand effective alternatives, protect children’s rights and safety, and help young people return home as quickly as possible.
Juvenile court process
If a young person is accused of breaking the law, their case may be handled in Orleans Parish Juvenile Court as a delinquency case. The juvenile court process can be confusing, but young people and their families have rights at every stage.
Learn more about each step of the juvenile court process and your rights.
holistic defense
A young person’s legal case is about more than what happens in the courtroom. Our holistic defense model brings together a team of lawyers, social workers, investigators, and youth advocates to understand the whole picture.
Learn more about how we help young people navigate their legal case while connecting them and their families with the support and resources they need.
youth in secure care
Our work doesn’t end when a young person is sent to an OJJ facility. We continue to represent our clients and advocate for their rights while they are in custody.
Learn more about your rights in OJJ custody and how we can help.
reentry program
Our work continues as young people prepare to return home. With our reentry program, we work with young people and their families to identify barriers to release and build a plan for a successful transition back into the community.
Learn more about our reentry program and how we help young people return to their communities.