Louisiana to Reopen Youth Prison After a Decade

After more than a decade of being shut down, one of Louisiana’s most controversial youth prisons is set to reopen. What does this mean for Louisiana’s youth justice system? Let’s take a closer look.

Sheriffs and district attorneys across the State of Louisiana have pushed for more space in youth detention centers, as some areas have been forced to send incarcerated minors out of state. However, the push for more juvenile prison space comes at a time when crime is dropping nationwide, including in New Orleans, according to the National Criminal Justice Association.

Despite this trend, the number of minors in Louisiana’s juvenile detention system has continued to rise. By the end of 2024, the number of youth in secure custody was 8% higher than the previous year and 16% higher than in 2022, per the report from the Louisiana Illuminator.

On February 27th, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced plans to reopen the Jetson Center for Youth, a Baton Rouge-area youth prison that was closed over ten years ago. Lawmakers have moved at least $42.4 million to fund the reopening, with an additional $12.7 million proposed to hire more staff. If approved, the facility could start housing up to 44 young people within months, with plans to build a new facility for 72 more over the next two years.

The idea to bring Jetson back was first discussed during former Governor John Bel Edwards’s time in office. Now, it aligns with Landry’s goal of expanding youth prison capacity across the state. Lawmakers recently approved funding for four new or expanded juvenile justice centers, which will add 264 more beds statewide over the next two years.

Read More on the topic, which also includes quotes and much more from the Louisiana Illuminator by CLICKING HERE.

The reopening of Jetson has sparked debate. Supporters say it will provide much-needed space and resources, while critics argue that more focus should be placed on rehabilitation and community programs instead of incarceration. As Louisiana moves forward with its plan, the impact of these changes on youth and communities remains to be seen.