State of the Youth in Louisiana.2025.docx

State of the Youth in Louisiana – 2025 Report

For Child and Youth Service Providers

Prepared July 2025 by Tekoah Boatner, HS-BCP, CNP, PMP

Executive Summary

Louisiana's youth face interconnected challenges across education, mental health, child welfare, and juvenile justice systems that require coordinated, trauma-informed responses from service providers. While state and local agencies are implementing reforms and piloting innovative service models, persistent structural issues, including poverty, access disparities, and disconnection from education and work, continue to shape youth outcomes.

Nearly 1 in 5 youth live in poverty, and 17.7% of 16–24-year-olds are not engaged in education, employment, or training. The youth mental health crisis is deepening, with over 30% of adolescents experiencing major depressive episodes and suicide attempt rates nearly double the national average. Systemic inequities in schools and juvenile justice institutions remain stark, with Black youth representing 75% of secure detention populations despite comprising 42% of the school-age population.

This report provides service providers with current data, emerging policy opportunities, and actionable recommendations to strengthen collaborative responses across Louisiana's youth-serving systems. The integration of services through initiatives like the Louisiana Workforce and Social Services Reform Task Force (LA WASS) presents unprecedented opportunities for providers to participate in system transformation while addressing immediate youth needs.

Youth Demographics and Socioeconomic Context

Population Overview

Total youth population (ages 0–25): 1,510,771
Children under 18: 1,062,249
Youth in rural parishes: 387,000 (35% of total youth population)
Youth of color: 58% of the total youth population

Economic Realities and Family Stability

Public Assistance Utilization (2023)

1.07 million residents received aid, totaling $3.27 billion across Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and other programs
67% of children in Louisiana are eligible for free or reduced-price meals
Average TANF benefit per family: $240/month (among lowest in nation)

Poverty Concentration

Statewide youth poverty (ages 15–24): 22.1%
East Baton Rouge Parish: 17,368 individuals aged 15-24 below the poverty line
Rural poverty rates Often exceed 30% in Delta parishes
Intergenerational poverty: 43% of youth in poverty have parents who experienced childhood poverty

Disconnected Youth Crisis

"Disconnected" or "Opportunity Youth" represent young people who have become disengaged from the two primary pathways to economic stability and independence: education and employment. This disconnection often results from a cascade of challenges, including educational failure, mental health struggles, justice system involvement, family instability, or lack of transportation and childcare. For service providers, these youth represent both the greatest challenge and the greatest opportunity; they require intensive, coordinated interventions but also have the potential for significant positive impact when successfully reconnected. The economic analysis showing $205.6 million in potential annual benefits from reconnecting just 13% of these youth underscores both the individual and societal stakes involved in effective intervention.

"Opportunity Youth" (ages 16–24 not in school or employed): 96,000 (17.7%)

Geographic Distribution:

Urban parishes: 15.2% disconnection rate
Rural parishes: 21.3% disconnection rate
Highest concentrations: Iberville (26.8%), West Carroll (24.1%), Madison (23.7%)

Economic Impact Analysis:

Reconnecting 12,953 youth could yield $205.6 million annually in economic benefits
Lifetime earnings loss per disconnected youth: $258,000
State tax revenue loss: $37,000 per disconnected youth over lifetime

Contributing Factors to Disconnection:

Lack of reliable transportation (cited by 34% of disconnected youth)
Childcare responsibilities (28% of young women)
Mental health challenges (22%)
Justice system involvement (18%)
Housing instability (15%)

Education: Building Pathways to Success

Louisiana's educational system serves as both a protective factor and a potential pathway to opportunity for vulnerable youth; however, persistent achievement gaps and disciplinary disparities create barriers to their success. With nearly 87,000 youth not enrolled in school and significant racial disparities in discipline practices, the education system requires intentional reform to interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and create inclusive learning environments. For service providers, education represents a critical intervention point where early identification, wraparound supports, and trauma-informed practices can prevent deeper system involvement while building foundations for lifelong success.

Academic Achievement Landscape

Graduation Rates and Readiness

Overall graduation rate: 80.1% (national average: 86.5%)
College and career-ready graduates: 41%
Regional disparities: Urban districts average 83.2%, rural districts 76.8%

Achievement Gaps by Demographics:

White students: 86.3% graduation rate
Black students: 76.1% graduation rate
Hispanic students: 79.4% graduation rate
Students with disabilities: 67.2% graduation rate
English learners: 72.8% graduation rate

School Discipline and the School-to-Prison Pipeline

Exclusionary Discipline Patterns

Black students: 80% of suspensions/expulsions (42% of enrollment)
Students with disabilities: 25% of suspensions (13% of enrollment)
Out-of-school suspension rate: 8.2% (national average: 5.3%)

Policy Implications for Providers:

Restorative Justice Implementation: 127 schools piloting restorative practices
Alternative to Suspension (ATS) Programs: Need for community-based providers
Trauma-Informed Discipline: Training requirements create partnership opportunities

Educational Instability and Vulnerable Populations

Homeless Student Education

Total homeless students (PreK-12): 12,847 in SY 2022-2023
Chronic absenteeism among homeless students: 45.42% vs. 20.24% overall
East Baton Rouge Parish homeless students: 1,631

Protective Policy Framework: Louisiana's progressive policies for homeless youth include:

Partial credit accrual regulations for interrupted education
Alternative school pathways without residency barriers
Transportation assistance mandates
Immediate enrollment protections

Foster Care Educational Outcomes

Students in foster care: 4,847 enrolled in public schools
Grade-level performance: 23% below grade level in reading, 31% in math
School stability: Average of 2.3 school changes per academic year
Graduation rate: 67% (13 points below state average)

Provider Opportunities in Education

Emerging Partnerships:

Community Schools Model: Increased interest in schools seeking wraparound service partners
Extended Learning Time Programs: Federal funding for after-school and summer programming
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Integration: Professional development and curriculum support needs
Family Engagement Initiatives: Cultural liaison and support service opportunities

Mental Health: Addressing the Crisis

Louisiana faces an unprecedented youth mental health crisis that intersects with every other system serving young people. With suicide attempt rates nearly double the national average and over 30% of adolescents experiencing major depressive episodes, the state's mental health infrastructure is overwhelmed by demand while access remains severely limited, particularly in rural areas. This crisis both stems from and contributes to other challenges; youth with untreated mental health needs are more likely to experience educational failure, justice system involvement, and family instability. For providers across all sectors, integrating mental health awareness and trauma-informed approaches has become essential rather than optional.

Crisis Indicators and Prevalence

Adolescent Mental Health Statistics (2024)

Major depressive episodes (ages 12-17): 30.4% (up from 24% in 2020)
Suicide attempts among adolescents: 14% (national average: 7.6%)
Persistent sadness/hopelessness: 38.5% of high school students

High-Risk Populations:

LGBTQ+ youth: 72% report persistent sadness, 31% attempted suicide
Black girls: 52% report persistent sadness (highest increase from 2019)
Youth in foster care: 65% have diagnosed mental health conditions
Justice-involved youth: 60% have mental health diagnoses

Access Barriers and Service Gaps

Provider Shortage Analysis

Rural areas: 1 provider per 4,000 residents
Urban areas: 1 provider per 600 residents
Child psychiatrists statewide: 47 (recommended: 180)
Average wait time for adolescent psychiatric care: 64 days

School-Based Mental Health Infrastructure

Schools with full-time counselors: 41%
Schools with school psychologists: 23%
Schools with social workers: 18%
Student-to-counselor ratio: 482:1 (national recommendation: 250:1)

Crisis Response Data and Trends

Youth Crisis Contacts (2024)

Total hotline calls from youth: 374 (45% increase from 2023)
Active crisis situations: 49% of calls
Homeless youth in crisis: 10% of callers

Primary Crisis Triggers:

Family dynamics/conflict: 63%
Economic stress: 46%
Emotional/verbal abuse: 32%
Academic pressure: 28%
Peer relationships: 24%
Identity/sexual orientation: 19%

Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders

Adolescent Substance Use Patterns

Alcohol use (past 30 days): 28% of high school students
Marijuana use: 19% (above national average of 16%)
Prescription drug misuse: 14%
Vaping/e-cigarettes: 34% (concerning gateway patterns)

Treatment Access and Capacity

Adolescent substance use treatment slots: 1,247 statewide
Waitlist for residential treatment: 89 youth (average wait: 42 days)
Integrated mental health/substance use programs: 23 statewide

Policy Initiatives and Provider Opportunities

Medicaid Expansion for Youth Mental Health

Enhanced reimbursement rates for youth-specific services (effective July 2025)
Coverage expansion for peer support services
Telehealth parity for rural access

School-Based Health Center Expansion

$12.3 million in federal funding for 15 new centers
Mental health integration requirements
Community provider partnership mandates

988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline Integration

State funding for follow-up services
Community provider network development
Mobile crisis team expansion to all parishes

Juvenile Justice: Reform and Transformation

Louisiana's juvenile justice system is undergoing significant transformation, with reform efforts focused on reducing racial disparities, expanding community-based alternatives, and addressing the high prevalence of mental health needs among justice-involved youth. While arrest rates have declined by 35% since 2015, the system continues to disproportionately impact Black youth and those with behavioral health challenges. The intersection of trauma, mental health, education disruption, and family instability creates complex needs that require coordinated responses from multiple service providers. Current reform initiatives present opportunities for community-based providers to develop innovative alternatives that address root causes rather than simply managing behaviors.

System Overview and Trends

Referral and Detention Patterns (2023)

Total youth referred: 3,427 (35% decrease from 2018)
Secure detention population: Daily average of 187 youth
Community-based alternatives: 1,247 youth served
Diversion program participation: 892 youth

Offense Categories and System Response

Non-violent offenses: 68% of referrals

Truancy: 23%
Simple assault: 18%
Theft under $1,000: 15%
Drug possession: 12%

Status offenses: 19% (running away, curfew violations)
Violent offenses: 13%

Racial and Ethnic Disparities

Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) Analysis

Black youth representation:

General population: 42%
Arrests: 67%
Secure detention: 75%
Secure commitment: 78%

Contributing Factors to Disparities:

School-based arrests disproportionately affecting Black students
Differential treatment in charging and sentencing decisions
Limited access to quality legal representation
Unconscious bias in decision-making processes

Mental Health and Trauma in Juvenile Justice

Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions

Youth with diagnosed mental health conditions: 60% of the detained population
Trauma history: 78% experienced at least one traumatic event
Substance use disorders: 34% meet criteria for treatment
Receiving services while in custody: Only 20% of youth with mental health needs

Trauma-Informed Justice Initiatives

Implementation of trauma screening tools at intake
Staff training on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
Therapeutic programming expansion
Family therapy integration in case planning

Recidivism and Reentry Challenges

Recidivism Rates and Patterns

One-year recidivism rate: 52%
Three-year recidivism rate: 67%
Higher risk factors: Mental health needs, educational disconnection, housing instability

Reentry Barriers

Educational re-enrollment challenges: 43% of youth are not immediately enrolled upon release
Employment barriers: Limited access to age-appropriate job training
Housing instability: 28% of released youth experience housing challenges within 6 months
Transportation: Significant barrier in rural parishes

Reform Initiatives and Provider Opportunities

Raise the Age Implementation

Gradual implementation of raising juvenile court jurisdiction
Need for expanded programming for 17-18 year olds
Community-based alternative development

Therapeutic Foster Care for Justice-Involved Youth

Specialized foster care for youth unable to return home
Integration with therapeutic services
Trauma-informed caregiver training requirements

Community-Based Alternatives Expansion

Day reporting programs: Expansion to 5 additional parishes
Electronic monitoring alternatives: Focus on therapeutic rather than punitive approaches
Restorative justice programs: Victim-offender mediation and community service integration

Child Welfare: Supporting Families and Children

Louisiana's child welfare system serves over 4,100 children in foster care while simultaneously working to strengthen families and prevent the need for removal through evidence-based prevention services. The system faces ongoing challenges with placement stability, worker retention, and ensuring culturally responsive services, while federal policy changes through the Family First Prevention Services Act create new opportunities and requirements for community-based providers. Understanding that most child welfare involvement stems from poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health challenges, effective intervention requires collaboration between child welfare agencies and community providers who can address these underlying issues while supporting family stability and child safety.

Foster Care Population and Trends

Current Foster Care Statistics (2024)

Total children in foster care: 4,127 (5.7 per 1,000 youth)
National comparison: Louisiana rate above the national average of 4.1 per 1,000
Average annual cost per child: $33,935
Length of stay: Average 18.2 months (goal: under 12 months)

Placement Settings Distribution

Kinship care: 42% (1,733 children)
Traditional foster homes: 31% (1,279 children)
Group homes/residential: 18% (742 children)
Therapeutic foster care: 9% (373 children)

Child Protection and Safety Outcomes

Key Performance Indicators (FY 2023-2024)

Alleged abuse victims seen by DCFS: 91.86% (target: 95%)
Repeat maltreatment within 6 months: 8.2% (below national average)
Foster youth placed in the same parish and court: 44.58%
Validated child protection cases: 6,125

Maltreatment Types and Risk Factors

Neglect: 78% of substantiated cases
Physical abuse: 15%
Sexual abuse: 5%
Emotional abuse: 2%
Primary risk factors: Substance abuse (54%), domestic violence (39%), mental health issues (31%)

Placement Stability and Permanency

Placement Outcomes

Children with 3+ placements: 23% (goal: under 15%)
Time to permanency: Average 24.6 months
Reunification rate: 64% within 12 months
Adoption finalization: 847 adoptions completed in FY 2024

Specialized Placement Needs

Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs): 12 facilities, 186 beds
Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs): 4 facilities, 94 beds
Therapeutic foster care capacity: 373 certified homes (need: 500+)

Family Preservation and Prevention Services

Prevention Service Array

Families First Prevention Services: 1,247 families served
In-home safety services: 2,134 families
Parent education programs: 892 parents completed
Substance abuse treatment: 567 parents in treatment

Evidence-Based Prevention Programs

Functional Family Therapy: 15 parishes
Multisystemic Therapy: 8 parishes
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: 12 parishes
Homebuilders: Intensive family preservation in 6 parishes

Workforce Challenges and Development

Child Welfare Workforce Statistics

Caseworker turnover rate: 34% annually
Average caseload: 18 cases (standard: 12-15)
Vacancy rate: 23% of budgeted positions
New worker retention: 67% stay beyond first year

Provider Network Challenges

Foster home recruitment: Need for 400+ additional homes annually
Therapeutic service providers: Shortage in rural parishes
Transportation services: Critical gap for family visitation
Cultural competency: Need for providers reflecting children's racial/ethnic backgrounds

Youth Homelessness: A Growing Crisis

Youth homelessness in Louisiana reflects the intersection of multiple system failures and represents both a consequence of other challenges and a driver of further instability. With 205 unaccompanied homeless youth and over 12,000 homeless students in schools, homelessness disrupts education, increases mental health challenges, and elevates risks for justice system involvement and exploitation. The disproportionate representation of LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color in homeless populations highlights the need for culturally responsive and affirming services. While Louisiana ranks 8th nationally for protective policies, implementation of these protections requires robust community-based services that can provide immediate safety while addressing the complex factors that led to homelessness.

Scope and Demographics

The Youth Experiencing Homelessness Population (2024)

Total unaccompanied homeless youth: 205 (year-over-year increase of 18%)
Unsheltered youth: 38% (78 youth)
LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness: 42% of the population
Youth aging out of foster care: 23% experience homelessness within the first year

Geographic Distribution and Hotspots

New Orleans metro: 89 youth (43% of total)
Baton Rouge metro: 47 youth (23% of total)
Shreveport-Bossier: 31 youth (15% of total)
Rural parishes: 38 youth (19% of total)

Educational Impact of Homelessness

Homeless Students in Schools (SY 2022-2023)

Total PreK-12 homeless students: 12,847
Doubled-up housing: 76% of homeless students
Sheltered: 15%
Unsheltered: 9%

Academic Outcomes for Homeless Students

Chronic absenteeism rate: 45.42% vs. 20.24% overall
Grade retention rate: 18% vs. 8% overall
Graduation rate: 67% vs. 80.1% overall
College enrollment: 31% vs. 47% overall

Racial Disparities in Youth Homelessness

Disproportionate Representation

Black youth: 67% of the homeless youth population (42% of the general youth population)
White youth: 28% of homeless youth (52% of the general youth population)
Hispanic youth: 5% of homeless youth (6% of the general youth population)

Contributing Factors and Pathways to Homelessness

Primary Causes of Youth Homelessness

Family conflict/rejection: 47% (highest among LGBTQ+ youth)
Aging out of foster care: 23%
Economic hardship: 19%
Domestic violence: 15%
Mental health crisis: 12%
Substance use: 8%

System Intersections

Juvenile justice involvement: 34% of homeless youth have a justice history
Mental health services: 56% need mental health support
Educational disconnection: 67% not enrolled in school

Protective Policy Framework

Louisiana's Youth Homelessness Protections (Ranked 8th Nationally)

Strong LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protections in shelters
Comprehensive laws authorizing shelter and support services for minors
Policies allowing the temporary delay of guardian notification
Legal pathways for homeless minors to access basic needs and education
Host home program authorization and regulation

Safe Harbor Provisions

Minors can consent to shelter services without parental permission
Protection from prosecution for survival crimes
Access to healthcare and mental health services without parental consent
Educational enrollment and transportation assistance

Policy Landscape and System Integration Opportunities

Louisiana Workforce and Social Services Reform (LA WASS)

Transformational Vision The LA WASS Task Force represents the most significant opportunity for system integration in Louisiana's recent history, with recommendations that directly impact service providers across all youth-serving sectors.

Key Recommendations with Provider Implications:

1. "One-Door" Service Model

Integration of DCFS, workforce boards, and health systems
Provider opportunities: Coordinate across funding streams, reduce administrative burden
Implementation timeline: Pilot programs in 3 parishes by January 2026
Funding: $15.2 million in federal and state matching funds

2. Shared Data Infrastructure

Cross-system data sharing for coordinated care
Provider benefits: Reduced duplicate assessments, improved care coordination
Privacy protections: Robust consent and data security protocols
Expected launch: Fall 2025

3. Performance-Based Contracting

Outcome-focused metrics across all programs
Provider preparation needed: Enhanced data collection and reporting capacity
Financial incentives: Bonus payments for achieving outcome targets
Risk considerations: Need for capacity-building support for smaller providers

Federal Policy Alignment and Funding Opportunities

Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) Implementation

Louisiana's FFPSA Plan

Evidence-based prevention services: Expansion to all 64 parishes by 2026
Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) requirements: Enhanced oversight and assessment
Foster care prevention focus: Prioritizing in-home services over placement

Provider Implications:

Increased demand for evidence-based prevention programs
Need for QRTP compliance and independent assessment capacity
Opportunity for expanded in-home service delivery
Training requirements for new intervention models

John H. Chafee Foster Care Program Enhancements

Extended Foster Care (EFC) Expansion

Age extension to 21: Full implementation by July 2025
Educational support: Enhanced tutoring and college prep services
Housing assistance: Transitional living programs and rental assistance
Employment preparation: Workforce development partnerships

Provider Opportunities:

Expanded transitional living program development
Educational support service contracts
Employment readiness and job placement services
Mentoring and life skills programming

Juvenile Justice Reform Initiatives

Raise the Age Implementation

Gradual Age Jurisdiction Changes

2025: 17-year-olds in juvenile court for non-violent offenses
2026: All 17-year-olds in juvenile court
2027: Consideration of 18-year-old inclusion for specific offenses

System Needs:

Age-appropriate programming for older adolescents
Enhanced community-based alternatives
Specialized foster care for justice-involved youth
Educational and vocational services for transition-age youth

Community-Based Alternatives Expansion

Statewide Implementation Plan

Day reporting programs: Expansion to all urban parishes
Electronic monitoring alternatives: Focus on therapeutic support
Restorative justice programs: Community-based mediation and repair
Family therapy integration: Multisystemic and functional family therapy

Mental Health System Transformation

988 Crisis Lifeline Integration

Statewide Crisis Response Enhancement

Mobile crisis teams: Expansion to all 64 parishes
Follow-up services: Community provider network development
Youth-specific protocols: Specialized training and response procedures
School-based crisis support: Integration with educational settings

Provider Role:

Crisis follow-up service delivery
Mobile crisis team participation
Specialized youth crisis training
School partnership development

Behavioral Health Integration

Primary Care Integration Model

Co-location of behavioral health in primary care settings
Consultation and collaborative care models
Screening and brief intervention protocols
Warm handoff procedures between providers

Educational Policy Developments

Community Schools Initiative

Wraparound Service Integration

45 schools identified for community school conversion
Federal funding: $8.7 million over 3 years
Service integration requirements: Mental health, family support, and extended learning
Community partner mandates: Local provider involvement required

Trauma-Informed Schools Implementation

Statewide Training and Support

Professional development: All school personnel by 2026
Policy alignment: Discipline practices with trauma-informed approaches
Environmental changes: Physical space modifications for trauma sensitivity
Community provider partnerships: Therapeutic support integration

Recommendations for Service Providers

Immediate Action Steps (Next 6 Months)

1. Assessment and Capacity Building

Evaluate Current Programs for System Integration Readiness

Review data collection and reporting capabilities
Assess staff training needs for trauma-informed care
Identify opportunities for cross-system collaboration
Prepare for outcome-based contracting models

Recommended Actions:

Conduct an organizational readiness assessment
Develop a staff training plan for evidence-based practices
Establish a data infrastructure for outcome measurement
Create a partnership development strategy

2. Strategic Partnership Development

Build Relationships Across Service Sectors

Identify complementary service providers in your region
Develop formal partnership agreements for service coordination
Create referral protocols and shared assessment tools
Establish communication systems for case coordination

Priority Partnerships:

Schools and educational support providers
Mental health and substance abuse treatment providers
Housing and basic needs assistance programs
Workforce development and employment services

3. Policy Engagement and Advocacy

Participate in System Reform Initiatives

Engage with the LA WASS implementation in your parish
Provide input on FFPSA prevention service planning
Participate in juvenile justice reform planning committees
Advocate for youth-centered policy development

Medium-Term Strategic Positioning (6-18 Months)

1. Program Development and Expansion

Align Services with System Priorities

Develop evidence-based prevention programming
Create specialized services for high-need populations
Establish trauma-informed care across all programs
Implement family engagement and empowerment models

Focus Areas for Development:

LGBTQ+ affirming services
Culturally responsive programming for communities of color
Rural service delivery models
Technology-enhanced service delivery

2. Workforce Development and Training

Build Capacity for Enhanced Service Delivery

Provide trauma-informed care training for all staff
Develop cultural competency and anti-racism training
Create leadership development opportunities
Establish peer support and consultation networks

3. Quality Improvement and Outcome Measurement

Implement Continuous Quality Improvement Processes

Develop logic models and outcome measurement systems
Implement regular data review and program adjustment processes
Create feedback mechanisms for youth and families
Establish external evaluation partnerships

Long-Term System Change (18+ Months)

1. Innovation and Pilot Program Development

Lead Innovation in Service Delivery Models

Pilot integrated service delivery approaches
Test technology-enhanced intervention models
Develop peer-led and youth-driven programming
Create family-centered service coordination models

2. Policy Leadership and System Advocacy

Become Leaders in System Reform

Participate in state-level policy development
Share expertise and program models with other providers
Advocate for continued investment in youth services
Lead efforts to address systemic inequities

3. Sustainability and Resource Development

Build Long-Term Organizational Sustainability

Diversify funding sources across multiple systems
Develop earned revenue strategies
Create an endowment or reserve fund development
Build political and community support for continued investment

Collaborative Response Framework

The challenges facing Louisiana's youth require unprecedented collaboration and innovation from service providers. The convergence of system reform initiatives, federal policy changes, and increased investment in youth services creates a unique opportunity for providers to shape the future of youth services in Louisiana.

Immediate Next Steps for Providers:

Assess organizational readiness for enhanced collaboration and outcome measurement
Identify strategic partnerships within your region and service area
Engage in policy development processes at the local and state levels
Invest in workforce development to meet evolving service delivery requirements
Participate in system integration pilots and initiatives

Regional Collaboration Opportunities:

North Louisiana: Focus on rural service delivery and transportation solutions
Central Louisiana: Leverage Baton Rouge resources for statewide model development
South Louisiana: Address hurricane recovery and climate resilience in service delivery
New Orleans Metro: Scale urban innovation models for statewide replication

The data presented in this report underscores both the magnitude of challenges and the potential for transformative impact through coordinated action. Louisiana's youth deserve nothing less than our collective commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in service delivery.

By working together across traditional system boundaries, service providers can create the integrated, effective, and equitable support system that Louisiana's youth and families need to thrive.

References and Data Sources

Annie E. Casey Foundation (2024) Kids Count Data Center – Louisiana Profile. [Online] Available at: https://datacenter.kidscount.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024) Youth Risk Behavior Survey: Louisiana Highlights. [Online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs

Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (2024) Annual Performance Indicators Report FY23–24. [Online] Available at: https://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov

Louisiana Department of Education (2024) Graduation Rates and Accountability Data. [Online] Available at: https://www.louisianabelieves.com

Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health (2023) Behavioral Health Services Dashboard. [Online] Available at: https://ldh.la.gov

Louisiana Workforce and Social Services Reform Task Force (2024) Final Recommendations and Legislative Summary. [Online] Available at: https://legis.la.gov

National Alliance to End Homelessness (2024) Youth Homelessness State-by-State Report. [Online] Available at: https://endhomelessness.org

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (2024) Child Maltreatment Report. [Online] Available at: https://www.acf.hhs.gov

U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (2024) Juvenile Justice Statistics. [Online] Available at: https://www.ojjdp.gov

Additional data sources include: Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana Supreme Court, Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, and various parish-level agencies and organizations.