[Monroe, LA]— The Children's Coalition of Northeast Louisiana is relaunching the 4th Judicial District Youth Services Planning Board (YSPB), a member-led board of leaders from across Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes dedicated to improving young people's outcomes.
The Board’s mission is to promote accessible, culturally relevant services for the prevention, intervention, and treatment of children, youth, and families in or at-risk of entering the foster care or criminal/juvenile justice systems.
In 2005, the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana partnered with Louisiana 4th District Judge Sharon Marchman and the Ouachita and Morehouse Parish Police Juries to create the 4th Judicial District Youth Services Planning Board.
The board implemented an evidence-based parenting program for parents of justice-involved youth, addressed truancy within communities, mapped services for children, youth, parents, and families with a published services directory. The group also provided education about the need for evidence-based programs and practices and worked to increase the capacity of existing and new evidence-based programs.
The planning board met regularly until 2017 and relaunched in 2024. In its renewed efforts, the YSPB will focus on literacy, targeting third grade reading proficiency to enhance school readiness and educational outcomes, and behavioral health as it works to promote trauma-informed approaches and improving access to quality clinical care.
The board has established three specialized committees: the Behavioral Health Committeeaims to enhance systemic access to behavioral health care and ensure the adoption of trauma-informed practices across agencies; the Literacy Committee focuses on strategies to boost school readiness and third grade reading levels; and the Youth Committee, : working to ensure that the experiences of young people directly affected by child welfare, health, education, and justice systems shape the board’s initiatives.
According to a press release from the Children's Coalition, throughout the summer of 2024, each committee will conduct a thorough analysis of existing data to develop and implement strategies that address systemic-level interventions. These plans will aim to enhance third grade reading proficiency, promote trauma-informed mental health approaches, and amplify youth voices in decision-making processes. Committees will convene approximately once a month, with meeting times agreed upon by members.
The 4th JDC YSPB invites all community members dedicated to improving youth outcomes to get involved to create a robust support system that nurtures and empowers children and youth.
More information, is available at www.childrenscoalition.org.
