Louisiana's Reentry PATHWAYS: a pilot reentry demonstration project in Acadiana and the Greater New Orleans regions for Juveniles

The Second Chance Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-199) supports a comprehensive response to the increasing number of people who are released from prison, jail, and juvenile facilities each year and are returning to their communities. The Second Chance Act will help juvenile participants released from residential confinement to successfully transition back into society. Section 101 of the Act authorizes grants to state and local governments, territories, and federally recognized Indian tribes that they may use for demonstration projects to promote the safe and successful reintegration of individuals who have been incarcerated into the community.

Louisiana's strategic reentry plan embraces graduated interventions within a continuum of care that includes case management and strong community-based programming. The framework of our proposal links probation/parole officers (PPOs) with grass roots youth organizations to facilitate mentoring, advocacy, and case management to more than 200 youth a year returning to New Orleans and Acadiana from residential placements. Project goals include reduced recidivism, an increase in the number of teens successfully returning home, documented progress toward juvenile justice reform, and enhanced networks of care in the targeted communities. A state work group, as well as regional work groups in the two pilot regions, continues to meet to improve programming and identify components for replication. A rigorous evaluation performed by the School of Social Work at Louisiana State University will ensure we modify and refine practice to maximize positive results for the youth and families served. CA/NCF