2012-0242
INTRODUCED BY: V.J. ST. PIERRE, JR., PARISH PRESIDENT
RESOLUTION NO. __________
Title
A resolution of a commitment in joining the servicing district for St. James Youth Detention Center in St. James Parish.
Body
WHEREAS, Act 863 of the 2010 Regular Legislative Session, mandated the creation of juvenile standards for juvenile detention centers statewide. In September 2010 a task force was created comprising of several entities related to juvenile detention, as well as administrators and directors of all juvenile detention facilities. The goal of this task force was to compile and analyze data, research, and current practices nationwide to develop "best practice" standards for juvenile detention facilities; and,
WHEREAS, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) was chosen to promulgate these standards when they were completed by the task force; and,
WHEREAS, on July 1, 2011, the task force finalized and submitted the detention standards to DCFS and these standards are great for youth detentions as they will elevate the care for youth detentions to new heights; and,
WHEREAS, currently it is costing St. James Parish approximately $160.00 per day to house a juvenile at the facility and are estimating the daily housing cost to increase to approximately $250-$280.00 per day with the new rules for licensing in effect; and,
WHEREAS, Act 365 of the 2012 Regular Legislative Session allows for the creation of a multi-jurisdictional board of commissioners to support the operation of the juvenile detention facility, comprising of customer parishes, to promote the operation of the St. James Youth Center; and,
WHEREAS, St. James Parish cannot continue to operate the St. James Parish Youth Center without assistance; and,
WHEREAS, the St. James Youth Center has become a vital part of the manner in which local law enforcement agencies handle cases with juvenile offenders and without this facility judges and local law enforcement agencies will ...
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