§1428. Delinquency prevention plan; programs; grants

A. A delinquency prevention plan submitted to and approved by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Board and the commission is authorized in each district for the purpose of reducing delinquent acts, juvenile arrests, and gang activity. Juvenile delinquency and gang prevention programs under such plan shall be administered by the commission in cooperation with other appropriate governmental organizations and public and private agencies.

B. Delinquency prevention plans that include youth and street gang prevention should be developed from a proactive policy stance regarding juveniles involved in gangs. Law enforcement should be active and aggressive against gang leaders and hard-core gang members by utilizing special gang units, centralized efforts, and statewide intelligence. Intervention programs should be used to initiate prevention efforts directed at marginal and potential gang members.

C. The Juvenile Delinquency and Gang Prevention Advisory Board may use public hearings and other appropriate processes to solicit input regarding the development and updating of the delinquency prevention plan. Input may be provided by parties which include but are not limited to:

(1) Local level public and private service providers, advocacy organizations, and other organizations working with delinquent children.

(2) Parish and municipal governments.

(3) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections, the Department of Children and Family Services, and other departments or state agencies that provide services to delinquent children.

(4) University youth centers.

(5) Judges, district attorneys, public defenders, and the Louisiana State Bar Association.

(6) Victims of crimes committed by children.

(7) Law enforcement.

(8) Delinquent children and their families and caregivers.

D. The Juvenile Delinquency and Gang Prevention Advisory Board must develop its delinquency prevention plan in close cooperation with the commission, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Department of Children and Family Services, Louisiana Department of Health, local school districts, and with local law enforcement in order to maximize services for delinquent children. The Juvenile Delinquency and Gang Prevention Advisory Board must update the plan for delinquent children policies and programs every year.

E. The commission shall develop a formula grant program based on such factors as population at risk, number of juvenile and young adult arrests, juvenile weapons and drug arrests, and other factors as may be found to be applicable.

F. Beginning with the 1993-1994 Fiscal Year, from funds specifically appropriated by the legislature for this purpose, the commission may award grants based on competitive basis. Local public or private entities interested in implementing juvenile delinquency and gang prevention programs may apply for these funds through the local Juvenile Delinquency and Gang Prevention Advisory Board. Such grants shall be awarded pursuant to R.S. 15:1429.

G. An amount not to exceed ten percent of the total appropriation may be used by the commission to administer the program.

Acts 1993, No. 461, §1.