The Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) defines LA MOD as the Louisiana Model: “The Louisiana Model is an integral part of the juvenile justice reform movement. With assistance from the Missouri Youth Services Institute (MYSI), OJJ and the Casey Strategic Consulting Group (CSCG) designed the Louisiana Model for Secure Care (LA MOD), an approach tailored to Louisiana’s unique environment, dynamics, and needs. LA MOD provides a therapeutic environment that focuses on youth and staff interacting in small groups, involving family, and fostering positive peer culture. LA MOD prepares youth for re-entry into the community as productive citizens.”

OJJ provided the training to staff from residential agencies in the northern half of Louisiana. Residential facilities receiving training included Johnny Robinson Boy’s Home, Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, Christian Acres Youth Center, Rutherford House, Cane River Children’s Services and Renaissance Home.

The training consisted of 10 modules and was conducted at in the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home Pastoral Care and Training Center in Ruston and at the Monroe Probation and Parole Office. Trainers included Nancy Gautreau and Angela Bridgewater, Program Managers for Community-Based Services; Fran Martin, OJJ Director of Staff Development; Arlona Wells-Morgan, Statewide LAMOD Director; Annette Arthur, OJJ Treatment Director and Susan Taylor from LSUHSC.