RS 15:971: Legislative intent

The Louisiana Legislature recognizes the need for intervention in the lives of juvenile offenders to provide them with the opportunity to lead successful, productive lives. This legislature also recognizes the importance of providing family-centered services to assist the family of a juvenile offender in recognizing harmful behaviors and to provide the family with the tools to correct such behavior. It is critical that the Louisiana Legislature create a cost-effective pilot program in this state to treat at risk juveniles and their families by utilizing evidence-based practices which have demonstrated effectiveness in terms of significant reductions in the recidivism rate of juvenile offenders.