LAFAYETTE, La. — A new program called R.I.S.E. is now in place at the Lafayette Parish Juvenile Detention Home to help reduce recidivism and provide meaningful structure for detained youth.
Louisiana’s juvenile incarceration rate is nearly double the national average, according to The Southern Poverty Law Center. To help address this, the detention home has introduced R.I.S.E.—short for Reformative Instruction and Skills Enhancement—a new educational initiative designed to give youth the tools they need to succeed after release.
Arsenio Andrus, Training and Compliance Coordinator at the facility, explained the program’s mission:
“The youth here at this facility are children,” Andrus said. “With that being said, they have the potential to change and grow. With proper tools and resources, we can impact their lives.”
Unlike traditional academic programs, R.I.S.E. takes a holistic approach that combines academics with mindfulness, emotional regulation, and personal development.
“This program is new,” Andrus said. “It’s only been implemented for about three weeks, but we are already seeing benefits, changes, and growth within our youth.”
The program’s primary goal is to reduce idle time and repeat offenses by providing practical skills and opportunities for achievement. Participants can pursue a HiSET credential—a high school equivalency diploma that opens doors to college, military service, or trade certification. The detention center also plans to integrate vocational training into the curriculum in the near future.
“Some of our youth have been out of school for a long time,” Andrus said. “We wanted to give them an alternative path to success.”
This initiative represents a proactive step toward reform and rehabilitation, empowering Lafayette’s youth to rise above past challenges and build brighter futures.
Original Press Release: The R.I.S.E Press Release
Learn More
The team at Lafayette Parish Juvenile Detention Home has long been committed to helping youth turn potential into progress. Read more about their work in our feature:
Juvenile Detention Case Study: Lafayette Parish Juvenile Detention Home
For more insights into juvenile justice reform and innovative case management, visit the FAMCare Blog or explore national juvenile justice resources through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).