Religious Programs
Education
Behavior Modification
I Care Program
Foster Grandparent Program
Dedicated Dads Fatherhood Program
Library Services

Background

A Legislative Act in 1954, provided the impetus for organizing what is now the Juvenile Service Detention Center.  The capacity of the Detention Center was initially 26 beds. However, in 1966 that number was increased to 52 beds.  The original purpose was to house truants, runaways, and shoplifters.  The early intent changed due to the severity of crimes being committed by juveniles in the present times.

The Detention Center provides temporary care of youth who have allegedly committed a delinquent act, those adjudicated delinquent and those who have pending disposition or those who have been placed in the custody of the State and are awaiting transfer.

The function of the Detention Center is to provide physical care and secure custody, educational,  religious and recreational programs, as well as counseling services for the youth during their placement.

Religious Programs

Religious programs are organized and administered strictly by and through volunteers, such as bible study, services, inspirational seminars and individual religious support in cases where the family is not actively involved.

Education

Educational activities within the Detention Center follow as close as possible the normal activities of all schools within the Parish, except when necessary due to constants associated with routine functioning of the correctional facility in maintaining the incarcerated youth assigned to this facility.  East Baton Rouge Parish teachers provide mathematics, language, English and special education (self-contained classroom) programs for fifty-two (52) juvenile detainees.  Title I provides funds for a day by day teacher's salary.  Computers, supplies and equipment are also provided by these funds.

Library Services

The East Baton Rouge Parish library system provides youth with the opportunity to learn the methods, and procedures of the library system by providing weekly instruction. The youth are allowed to use the facility library on a daily basis and to check out books. The Library system also provides specialized classes to the youth regarding various educational program.

Behavior Modification

Behavior modification is designed to reward good behavior, academic performance, and positive attitudes.  Privileges are awarded to youth based on their classification.   We have four unit classifications labeled: A, B, C, and D.  Youth entering the Detention Center are assigned to the D- unit where privileges are at a minimum.  As behavior, attitude and academic performance improve,  youth can move up one unit at a time.   Youth earning their way up to A-Unit earn maximum privileges.

I Care Program

I Care Specialist of East Baton Rouge Parish School System conduct weekly sessions geared toward anger management, conflict resolutions, violence prevention, alcohol/drug abuse prevention, communication skills, decision making skills and goal setting.  Through a multiplicity of these topics and others, detainees are given the exposure necessary to aid them in making more appropriate and acceptable choices with regards to the use of alcohol and illegal drugs, learning to deal with anger more positively and in taking a serious look at setting goals that will help them achieve success and become builders.

Foster Grandparent Program

Nationally, the Foster Grandparent Program was started in August, 1965.  It is a program designed to provide part-time volunteer opportunities with stipend for low income persons age 60 and older, to give person to person service to children under 21 years of age having exceptional needs in health, education and welfare.  The EBR Foster Grandparent Project has been in operation since July, 1980.  6 foster grandparents assist in child learning situations, social contact and interaction with the youth they serve at the Detention Center.

323 E. Airport Ave

Baton Rouge, La 70806

(225) 201-8888

Familyroad

Dedicated Dads Fatherhood Program

The Dedicated Dads Fatherhood Program is design to promote responsible committed parenting by educating dads in child development and promoting strong relationship, training dads to better their socio-economic status and challenging dads to become positive forces within their family and community

Dedicated Dads offer peer and curriculum group where dads discuss important topics concerning fatherhood and have the opportunity to connect with other dads. Sessions topics include:

• Communication
• Values
• Male/ Female relationship

Dedicated Dads of Family Road conduct weekly sessions geared toward making young men conscious of the responsibility of Fatherhood. As it relates to a juvenile, we educate them on the importance of making wise decisions in regards to relationships. We explain why children that are raised without their fathers are more likely to have problems with their behavior, their health and their emotions. We discuss the importance of setting goals that will assist them in achieving success, and we discuss topics that relate to their current situation therefore giving them an opportunity to express their opinions which create open discussion. We discuss the importance of visualizing beyond what you may see in your community. We invite Fathers from our adult program to come visit the Detention center for the purpose of assisting with the mentoring process.