The Trinity Restorative Justice Committee has long supported the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights (LCCR), an organization that dramatically changes young lives through restorative justice approaches. The Center serves as court-appointed counsel for criminally charged juveniles, but its services go well beyond legal representation. It also provides the kind of support that helps keep these children from re-entering the judicial system.
Here’s a recent LCCR case story:
“Sean” was in the 10th grade when he was arrested for pulling a gun on his mother’s abusive boyfriend. The mother took the boyfriend’s side, and Sean was taken to jail.
It was then discovered that he had a serious heart condition, one his mother had largely neglected, and he was hospitalized. His mother didn’t visit him in either the jail or the hospital.
Sean now receives counseling and specialized medical care. He’s back in school, works an after-school job, and stays in regular contact with his Youth Advocate.
Under the combined stress of the arrest, his health condition, and the feeling of being abandoned by his mother, Sean withdrew and became depressed. The LCCR team responded.
It secured his needed medication and arranged for Sean to be followed by a cardiologist. It assigned one of its Youth Advocates to his case—someone who would mentor him and support his reconnection to the community. Working with a family friend, the Center arranged for Sean to be given a new and stable home environment.
Sean now receives counseling and specialized medical care. He’s back in school, works an after-school job, and stays in regular contact with his Youth Advocate.
His legal case remains pending, but he is now able to work responsibly with the Center’s counsel to see it through to conclusion.
To find out how to support the mission of LCCR, contact Development Director Ryan Hill at RHill@lakidsrights.org.
