In Louisiana, a state with the highest incarceration rate in the nation, the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights (LCCR) stands as a vital advocate for children caught in the justice system. LCCR’s mission is more than just providing legal defense; they work to keep children out of a system that can often derail their futures. By providing holistic, individualized support, LCCR aims to ensure that children can stay in their homes, schools, and communities, where they have the best chance to thrive.
“The most important thing for us is not having a child incarcerated and figuring out age-appropriate ways of accountability,” says Communications Manager Renard Bridgewater. It’s a mission that goes beyond the courtroom, challenging the systemic forces that push many youth—especially those from marginalized backgrounds—into a cycle of justice involvement that is hard to break.
Breaking the Cycle
LCCR represents over 90 percent of system-involved youth in Orleans Parish, with another 156 children under their care in East Baton Rouge Parish. These young clients are often victims of circumstances beyond their control, growing up in environments where resources are limited, and opportunities are scarce. For children of color and those from low-income families, the barriers are particularly steep. “Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in population of all 50 states,” Bridgewater points out. “When you look at New Orleans, as beautiful, culturally rich, and historically significant as our city is, it’s also the incarceration capital of the world.” These statistics reveal a stark reality that underlines the necessity of LCCR’s work in the community.
To support each child fully, LCCR has developed a comprehensive defense model that pairs every child with a dedicated team of professionals. Each youth is assigned a staff attorney, a youth advocate, a social worker, and an investigator to address their unique needs, both in and outside the courtroom. This approach helps LCCR look beyond the charges and consider the child’s background, environment, and individual circumstances. “What we’re attempting to do with each child is address not only the consequences but also the root causes of their arrest,” says Bridgewater.
The team might also help a young person secure vital documents like a birth certificate, obtain housing, or even navigate daily logistics such as finding transportation to a new job. Through this approach, LCCR can meet children where they are and help them return to their communities with the support they need to succeed.
Beyond the Defense
LCCR’s work isn’t limited to direct defense services; the organization is also heavily involved in policy advocacy. Their team works both locally and statewide to push for policies that reduce the number of children entering the justice system, while also supporting those that protect the rights and well-being of youth already in the system. They advocate for alternatives to incarceration, particularly for minor offenses, and support programs that keep children out of detention facilities whenever possible.
This dual focus on policy reform and individual support is essential to LCCR’s larger vision of a fairer justice system. “A larger goal is to provide clear and concise information to children, as well as their parents and caretakers, across the state,” Bridgewater explains, highlighting how LCCR aims to be a resource for families navigating complex legal situations.
Championing Brighter Futures
While LCCR’s impact is significant, there is still much work to be done. As Bridgewater says, “We want to be as big of a resource as necessary on behalf of children across the state.” Louisiana’s history of high incarceration rates has had lasting effects on families and communities, particularly in New Orleans, where a combination of social and economic factors contributes to the criminalization of youth.
“For us, it’s not just about a child being incarcerated,” says Bridgewater. “It’s mainly about: how do we help our children thrive in their communities, at home, and in their schools, and in their neighborhoods?” This goal reflects LCCR’s vision for a Louisiana where every child has the freedom to be a kid, with the support needed to become a healthy adult.
As LCCR expands its reach, the organization continues to push for a justice system that treats children as children and allows them to learn and grow from their mistakes without facing a lifetime of repercussions. To learn more about LCCR’s impactful work and find out how you can support their mission to give Louisiana’s youth a brighter future, visit their website at lakidsrights.org.
