The Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights (LCCR)

Overview

The Louisiana Center for Children's Rights (LCCR) is a nonprofit law center that is dedicated to defending the rights of every child in Louisiana's juvenile justice system. With a mission to ensure fairness, dignity, and opportunity for these children, LCCR has become a leading force in transforming the state's juvenile justice system.

LCCR was formed through the merger of two youth-centered nonprofit organizations: The Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana (JJPL) and Juvenile Regional Services (JRS). For 17 years, JJPL was at the forefront of reforming Louisiana's juvenile justice system. Through impact litigation and law reform advocacy, JJPL successfully shut down private, for-profit juvenile prisons in the state and played a significant role in the passage of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2003. This legislation led to a remarkable 75% decline in Louisiana's juvenile prison population. Additionally, JJPL developed detention standards that apply to every facility in the state and spearheaded the complete rebuilding and transformation of New Orleans' juvenile jail.

In 2006, JJPL staffers established JRS as a separate nonprofit law office to advocate for children in the juvenile courts of post-Katrina New Orleans. JRS quickly became a leader in advocating for vulnerable children and became the first stand-alone juvenile defender in the country. Their expertise in juvenile defense made them one of the foremost defenders in the field.

In 2014, the Louisiana Center for Children's Rights was formed, bringing together the systems-reform advocacy of JJPL and the direct services provided by JRS. With three main program areas, LCCR is committed to defending children and ensuring their success:

1. Defending Children: LCCR's Children's Defense Team consists of lawyers, social workers, investigators, education advocates, and case managers who champion the rights of children in the juvenile justice system. Using an innovative model of holistic, team-based, cross-disciplinary advocacy, they handle nearly 1,200 cases each year. Their goal is not only to achieve legal success for these children but also to help them thrive in life.

2. Advocacy and Policy Reform: LCCR actively engages in advocacy and policy reform to bring about lasting change in Louisiana's juvenile justice system. They work with lawmakers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to develop and promote policies that prioritize fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all children.

3. Community Education and Outreach: LCCR believes in the power of education and outreach to create awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding the juvenile justice system. They provide training and resources to professionals, community members, and youth themselves to empower them to advocate for change and support the rights of children.

Working at LCCR can be an exciting opportunity for staff members who are passionate about social justice and making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. The organization's rich history of impactful litigation and advocacy, coupled with its commitment to direct services, creates a dynamic and rewarding work environment. Staff members have the chance to be part of a team that is at the forefront of transforming Louisiana's juvenile justice system and ensuring that every child is treated with fairness, dignity, and opportunity.

The community surrounding LCCR is one that is dedicated to social justice and the well-being of children. Louisiana has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant community that values inclusivity and compassion. By joining LCCR, staff members become part of a larger movement that is working towards a more just and equitable society for all.

In conclusion, working at The Louisiana Center for Children's Rights offers staff members an exciting opportunity to be part of an organization that is dedicated to defending the rights of every child in Louisiana's juvenile justice system. With a rich history of impactful litigation and advocacy, LCCR is at the forefront of transforming the state's juvenile justice system. The community surrounding LCCR is one that values social justice and the well-being of children, making it an ideal environment for those who are passionate about making a difference. By joining LCCR, staff members have the chance to contribute to meaningful change and ensure that every child is given the fairness, dignity, and opportunity they deserve.