§ 15:1428 — Delinquency prevention plan; programs; grants

§1428. Delinquency prevention plan; programs; grants
A. A delinquency prevention plan submitted to and approved by the
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Board and the
commission is authorized in each district for the purpose of reducing
delinquent acts, juvenile arrests, and gang activity. Juvenile delinquency and
gang prevention programs under such plan shall be administered by the
commission in cooperation with other appropriate governmental organizations
and public and private agencies.
B. Delinquency prevention plans that include youth and street gang
prevention should be developed from a proactive policy stance regarding
juveniles involved in gangs. Law enforcement should be active and aggressive
against gang leaders and hard-core gang members by utilizing special gang
units, centralized efforts, and statewide intelligence. Intervention programs
should be used to initiate prevention efforts directed at marginal and potential
gang members.
C. The Juvenile Delinquency and Gang Prevention Advisory Board
may use public hearings and other appropriate processes to solicit input
regarding the development and updating of the delinquency prevention plan.
Input may be provided by parties which include but are not limited to:
(1) Local level public and private service providers, advocacy
organizations, and other organizations working with delinquent children.
(2) Parish and municipal governments.
(3) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections, the Department
of Children and Family Services, and other departments or state agencies that
provide services to delinquent children.
(4) University youth centers.
(5) Judges, district attorneys, public defenders, and the Louisiana State
Bar Association.
(6) Victims of crimes committed by children.
(7) Law enforcement.
(8) Delinquent children and their families and caregivers.
D. The Juvenile Delinquency and Gang Prevention Advisory Board
must develop its delinquency prevention plan in close cooperation with the
commission, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Department of
Children and Family Services, Louisiana Department of Health, local school
districts, and with local law enforcement in order to maximize services for
delinquent children. The Juvenile Delinquency and Gang Prevention Advisory
Board must update the plan for delinquent children policies and programs
every year.
E. The commission shall develop a formula grant program based on
such factors as population at risk, number of juvenile and young adult arrests,
juvenile weapons and drug arrests, and other factors as may be found to be
applicable.
F. Beginning with the 1993-1994 Fiscal Year, from funds specifically
appropriated by the legislature for this purpose, the commission may award
grants based on competitive basis. Local public or private entities interested
in implementing juvenile delinquency and gang prevention programs may
apply for these funds through the local Juvenile Delinquency and Gang
Prevention Advisory Board. Such grants shall be awarded pursuant to R.S.
15:1429.
G. An amount not to exceed ten percent of the total appropriation may
be used by the commission to administer the program.

Legislative History

Acts 1993, No. 461, §1.