This morning, Judge Shelly Dick ordered the removal of all youth from Angola’s West Feliciana Center For Youth by next Friday, September 15th. We’re elated that she stood not only on the right side of history but most importantly, with youth from our state, who have endured inhumane conditions like extreme temperatures in their cells during the hottest Louisiana summer on record, the use of mace, solitary confinement and a lack of educational provisions.

We’re thankful to learn that this is the end of this facility’s use and that these kids can begin to heal from the trauma that they’ve been continuously exposed to during their time within the juvenile legal system as we remain steadfast in our dedication to hold the Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) accountable for the substandard care and deplorable abuse that these children have suffered and that continues to be administered throughout all of their facilities.

Ashley Hamilton, LCCR's Policy Manager, observed several days of the hearing and reminds us of the ongoing struggle to treat kids like kids. "It is imperative to note, this is not a win for us; these children are not going home. Moving them to another OJJ facility simply lessens the blow. Children being locked in cages and treated inhumanely does not rehabilitate them, it does not make our communities safer and it does not strengthen our families. We will not be able to move the needle on youth justice until our children are seen as humans and are allowed to thrive in their homes and communities. Don’t get too comfortable, we’ve got work to do" says Hamilton.

LCCR is a proud partner of the United Way of Southeast Louisiana

Louisiana Center for Children's Rights

1100-B Milton St

New Orleans, LA 70122

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