Juvenile Justice Intervention Center warns cuts could jeopardize medical care and licensing

Dachell Williams, executive director of the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center, told the council that proposed cuts totaling $1.1 million and existing hiring restraints would compromise the facility's ability to meet state licensing standards, maintain an on-site medical contract and sustain staff-to-youth ratios. "Without adequate funding, JJIC cannot meet legal standards, cannot ensure safety, and cannot fulfill its rehabilitative promise," Williams said.

Medical and staffing concerns: J JIC reported outstanding medical invoices to Children's Hospital of about $650,000 and expects another similar amount; staff noted they rely heavily on overtime to meet mandated minimum staffing ratios and that budgeted overtime for 2026 (about $325,000 requested) fell far short of recent actual overtime (nearly $1 million in 2024 and tracking higher in 2025).

Privatization risk: JJIC leaders said severe underfunding could create conditions that make privatization look like an operational solution, but cautioned that private management historically reduces rehabilitative quality and transparency.

Revenue and mitigation: JJIC said it is pursuing fee, contract and program revenue (including OJJ housing fees, training rentals and inter-parish courtesy holds) and requested that the council preserve base funding while the center pursues additional revenue streams.

Bottom line: JJIC asked that the council preserve staff and medical funding, citing licensing and safety risks if cuts proceed.