Louisiana is at a critical juncture in addressing the approach to juvenile justice in a way that promotes healthy families and communities. To help significantly improve the juvenile justice system in Louisiana and reduce the risks to youths’ physical and emotional safety while they are being served by juvenile justice and child welfare agencies in the state, Southern University Law Center’s Louis A. Berry Institute of Civil Rights and Justice has selected four Law Center students as to serve as interns to support the Louisiana Juvenile Justice Reform Act Implementation Commission (JJRAIC).
“Southern University Law Center is honored to support the charge of the commission and help to improve the state of our juvenile legal system,” said John Pierre, chancellor of the Southern University Law Center. “We are proud to have SULC students advocate to ensure the fair implementation of legislation that positively impacts juvenile justice and criminal justice reform.”
The Law Center is uniquely positioned to address systemic issues in our juvenile justice system that contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based juvenile justice reform strategies through its Louis A. Berry Civil Rights and Justice Institute. At the helm of this endeavor is Ada Goodly Lampkin, who serves as director of the Institute.
"We were in a crucial moment in our state’s history where the legal system is being redefined by a new administration and our criminal and juvenile legal systems reshaped by an ideology that stands in stark contrast to the previous administration,” says Lampkin. It’s more important now than ever to prepare our future lawyer leaders to address these changes and the implications of those changes on our system and the communities they serve, directly and competently.
Lampkin says supporting Louisiana’s juvenile justice reform act implementation commission at a time of legislative upheaval in our system, demands a holistic response and approach from not only legislators, advocates, and community members, but academia also must stand in the gaps to ensure that informed, data-driven decision-making is possible at the state level.
The Law Center helps equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to positive change within the criminal justice system. To build the JJRAIC’s capacity, the Institute will assist in the development of strategic short- and long-term juvenile justice reform stabilization and sustainability planning; assist in securing and analyzing viable data that the JJRAIC can use to invest in resources that sustain juvenile justice best practices in Louisiana’s various juvenile justice serving entities; and much more.
“Joining JJRAIC is an incredible opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people,” said Krystal Bell, second-year law student. “I'm eager to learn, advocate, and ultimately contribute to building a system that prioritizes rehabilitation and empowers our youth to reach their full potential, offering them the invaluable gift of second chances.”
The internship provides an excellent opportunity for students to engage in public service and learn more about Louisiana’s legislative process. Amber Staples, a second-year law student at SULC, says being an intern awards her with a unique opportunity to connect education, passion, and her legal interests to meaningful practical work.
“JJRAIC gives me a chance to be apart of positive change while gaining hands-on knowledge working with policy and legislation,” says Staples.
This internship will allow students to take a proactive stance, leveraging legal expertise, rich educational resources, and strong community ties. During the duration of the two-year internship, students will assist with the development andimplementation of evidence-based juvenile justice reform strategies, collect data and analysis, join community outreach activities, and much more.
“I'm excited to be a part of this initiative and hope to gain hands-on experience and gain valuable skills that will help me cultivate into my passion for justice,” said Victoria Ardoin, second-year law student.
The support provided by the Law Center to JRAIC will enable stakeholders to realize a revitalized system to be built upon a resolute, over-arching commitment by Louisiana's leaders and its people to truly put children first above other priorities, especially those children who are at risk of abuse and neglect, educational failure, societal maladjustment, and criminal activity.
Shalela Dowdy, a third-year law student expressed her excitement to be awarded the chance to assist with positively influencing change within the Juvenile Justice System in Louisiana.
“I hope to be able understand what the needs are of those involved in the system and how we can better assist,” said Dowdy. “I would also like to take these learning lessons back to my home state of Alabama upon graduating from the law center so that we can help rectify the Juvenile Justice systems across the south.”
Together, interns will embark on a journey of discovery, exploring innovative approaches to rehabilitation, diversion, and community engagement. The Institute stands as a testament to the Law Center’s dedication to advancing civil and human rights and social and restorative justice in Louisiana and the South.
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