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With respect to programs for the prevention of juvenile delinquency and/or the care and treatment of delinquent children and children in need of supervision, the department, in addition to such other duties and functions as are vested in it by this Chapter, or any other law shall:

(1)  Collect and evaluate data relating to the delinquency of children and the effectiveness of programs designed to prevent or reduce delinquency.  

(2)  To the extent that diversion from the juvenile justice system can be accomplished, with due regard to the safety of the community and the well-being of the children involved, encourage and assist in the development and conduct of innovative programs and provide needed care and services to such children outside such system to prevent children from becoming a part of or returning to such system by:

(a)  Developing informational materials and standards relating to such programs, and

(b)  Cooperating with and assisting other public and private agencies and organizations in the development and coordination of such programs, especially those which are community based.  

(3)  Conduct research, including studies and demonstration projects, into all aspects of the problems relating to the causes, prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency either directly or by entering into contracts or making grants.  

(4)  Establish comprehensive training programs for present and prospective employees and for present and prospective employees of public and private agencies and organizations engaged in activities relating to the prevention of delinquency and the provision of care and treatment of delinquent children and children in need of supervision.  The department may carry out such programs directly or through grants or contracts covering all or part of the cost, of stipends and tuition, and allowances for travel and subsistence, and, with respect to division employees who have been granted leave to participate in approved training, the department may continue the salaries and other benefits of such employees.  

(5)  Assist the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice by participating in the development and revision of those phases of the state’s comprehensive law enforcement plan which relate to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and/or the care and treatment to delinquent children and children in need of supervision.  

(6)  Develop or assist in the development of a regional system of approved detention and shelter care facilities and a system of licensed community based, residential, child caring institution.  

(7)  Develop, assist in and encourage innovative programs and improvements in the existing system for the prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency.  

(8)  Repealed by Acts 1984, No. 567, §9, eff. Jan. 1, 1985.  

Added by Acts 1974, No. 558, §1, emerg. eff. July 12, 1974.  Amended by Acts 1976, No. 401, §1; Acts 1978, No. 786, §6, eff. July 17, 1978; Acts 1984, No. 567, §9, eff. Jan. 1, 1985.