Juvenile Specialty Court

 Our Mission

The mission of the 15th Judicial District Juvenile Specialty Court aims to reduce substance abuse and criminal activity among non-violent youth offenders by providing treatment, education, and accountability, to enhance life-skills and promote healthy family and community relationships.

A Brief History

In 2001, Judge Duplantier, A.D.A. Michelle Breaux and Senator Donald Cravins recognized the problems associated with substance abuse in the youth population of the 15th Judical District, and decided to take action. Through funding from the Louisiana State Supreme Court the HALT program, now known as Juvenile Specialty Court, was developed and implemented in 2002.

Program Description

Our program is a unique partnership between the criminal justice system and treatment communities that provide adolescents an opportunity to lead crime-free, drug-free lives. We work intensely with adolescents and their families to develop skills for healthy living. Partners of the 15th Judicial District Court include ClearStart LLC, BreakThroughs Life Coaching, Office of Juvenile Justice,  Lafayette Parish School system, Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, and Lafayette Police Department. The 15th JDC Juvenile Specialty Court is structured as a four phase program that averages 6-9 months in length. Each phase consists of frequent appearances before Judge Michelle Breaux, random drug screening, strict curfew requirements and individual, family, group and life skills. In addition to this, graduated sanctions/incentives are utilized regarding participants behavior. Each participant must also work toward an educational goal.

 Target Population

14-17 year old youthful offenders involved in the criminal justice system who have shown signs of a substance use dependence or disorder.

Handbook IAA-Conditions of Probation Initial Screening Packet

Judge Michelle Breaux
P.O. Box 3998
Lafayette, La. 70502
Office: (337) 269-5702
Fax: (337) 269-5743
Secretary: Maxine Sonnier msonnier@15thjdc.org