On January 1, 1992, the former Juvenile Court was split into two departments:  Juvenile Court and Juvenile Services.

The newly created Department of Juvenile Services was in its first full year of operation in 1994. Juvenile Services is comprised of three divisions: Administration, Probation and Family Services, and the Detention Facility.
 

Vision and Mission Statements

It is the Department’s vision to take the leadership role in providing services that protect the community from delinquency, to impose accountability for offenses committed, and to equip juveniles and their families with the required competencies to lead productive lives. The mission of the Department of Juvenile Services is to provide services in the areas of diversion, family services, and public safety. The Department engages in agency programming, education, and community partnerships for the prevention of juvenile delinquency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Department of Juvenile Services perform courtesy supervision on juveniles not under the supervision of the Department of Juvenile Services?  

The Department of Juveniles Services is only permitted to supervise a juvenile when they have committed a status offense, or a criminal offense, and have an active case with the Department.

Can your Department Speak to juveniles in school that are having problems or desire to become probation officers? 

The Department of Juvenile Services will provide officers to speak at schools.  A representative from the school needs only to contact the Special Programs Supervisor and schedule this event. 

My child does not listen can I bring my child to the Detention Center?

A juvenile can only be placed in the East Baton Rouge Detention Center if they have committed a delinquent act.

Will my child receive school credits and receive an excuse for not attending regular school while in detention? 

Your child will receive an excuse and school credits.  The teachers located at the Department of Juvenile Services are employed by the East Baton Rouge Parish School System and the program is recognized by the other schools within the system.   

What can you do with a child that keeps running away from home or does not follow my rules? 

The Department of Juveniles Services Families in Need of Services (FINS) section is designed to assist families and children that are having difficulties. The parent and the child must report to the Department of Juvenile Services to complete necessary paperwork to enroll the child, and the family in the program.  A screening process occurs, and if the family is accepted, a FINS Probation Counselor will be assigned the case.   

Does the Department of Juvenile Services provide transportation?

The Department of Juvenile Services does not provide transportation.  However our office is a designated stop for CAT. 

How long will my child stay on Probation?

The length of time your child will be on probation will be determined by the Court Order.