RS 15:1110 Detention standards; licensing
PART XI-A. JUVENILE DETENTION STANDARDS AND
LICENSING PROCEDURES
§1110. Detention standards; licensing
A. It is the intent of the legislature to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the children of this state who are placed in juvenile detention facilities. Toward this end, it is the purpose of this Part to provide for the establishment of statewide standards for juvenile detention facilities, to ensure maintenance of these standards, and to regulate conditions in these facilities through a licensing program. It shall be the policy of this state that all juvenile detention facilities provide temporary, safe, and secure custody of juveniles during the pendency of juvenile proceedings, when detention is the least restrictive alternative available to secure the appearance of the juvenile in court or to protect the safety of the child or the public.
B. On or before July 1, 2011, the Louisiana Juvenile Detention Association shall develop and recommend uniform standards for local juvenile detention facilities that comport with nationally recognized and accepted best practice standards for juvenile detention facilities. In developing these standards, the Louisiana Juvenile Detention Association shall seek input and guidance from the Task Force on Juvenile Detention Standards and Licensing provided for in Subsection D of this Section.
C. On or before January 1, 2012, the Department of Children and Family Services shall develop and promulgate, in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, rules governing the licensing of juvenile detention facilities consistent with the standards recommended by the Louisiana Juvenile Detention Association. In developing these rules, the department shall seek input and guidance from the Task Force on Juvenile Detention Standards and Licensing provided for in Subsection D of this Section.
D. The Task Force on Juvenile Detention Standards and Licensing shall include representation of the following organizations:
(1) A representative of each of the existing juvenile detention facilities in this state.
(2) The Louisiana Juvenile Detention Association.
(3) The Louisiana District Attorneys Association.
(4) The Louisiana Public Defenders Board.
(5) The Louisiana Sheriffs' Association.
(6) The Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana.
(7) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections, office of juvenile justice.
(8) The Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
(9) The Department of Education.
(10) The Department of Children and Family Services.
(11) The Department of Health and Hospitals.
(12) The Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
(13) The Louisiana Municipal Association.
(14) The Police Jury Association of Louisiana.
(15) The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice.
(16) Representatives from the juvenile drug court community.
E. On or before January 1, 2013, all juvenile detention facilities, including facilities owned or operated by any governmental, profit, nonprofit, private, or public agency, shall be licensed pursuant to the provisions of Subsection C of this Section.
Acts 2003, No. 1225, §2; Acts 2010, No. 863, §1.