NEWS The Office of Juvenile Justice Celebrates Grand Opening of Multi-Agency Resource Center in Lafayette

L-R: Nicolette Gordon (Public Information Director -OJJ), Alton Trahan (Public Information Officer -Lafayette Fire Department), Courtney Myers (Assistant Secretary - OJJ), Desiree Hebert (Program Manager - LaMARC), Millard Mulé (Policy Director - Governor Jeff Landry Office), Beth Broussard (Director of Probation and Parole - OJJ), Monique Blanco-Boulet (Lafayette Mayor-President )

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) celebrated the grand opening of the Louisiana Multi-Agency Resource Center (LaMARC) in Lafayette Parish. This event marks a significant step forward in juvenile justice reform. The Public Information Director, Nicolette Gordon, welcomed the attendees and provided introductions, setting a positive tone for the event.

Key figures such as Assistant Secretary of the Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice Courtney Myers, Policy Director for Governor Jeff Landry’s office Millard Mule, Lafayette Parish Mayor-President Monique Blanco-Boulet, and Beth Broussard, Director of Probation and Parole for the Office of Juvenile Justice, delivered special remarks. They emphasized the importance of the LaMARC initiative in addressing gaps in the juvenile justice system. In the closing remarks, program Manager Desiree Hebert also shared her excitement about the center’s potential impact.

After the ribbon cutting, guests enjoyed guided tours of the new facility and light refreshments. The LaMARC is a collaborative effort between the Office of Juvenile Justice, Lafayette Consolidated Government, 15th Judicial District Court, Lafayette Parish School Board, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Department, and the District Attorney’s Office.

The center aims to reduce juvenile crime by providing comprehensive assessments and services to youth and their families, addressing underlying issues that may lead to delinquency. By coordinating with local resources, LaMARC will increase access to evidence-based services, offering alternatives to traditional court processing and secure confinement. This initiative is critical in improving outcomes for at-risk youth in Lafayette Parish and beyond.