CHAPTER 16.  EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS

Art. 793.1.  Early intervention programs; authorization; purpose

The purpose of this Article and Articles 793.2 through 793.4 is to authorize the creation of early intervention programs, hereinafter referred to as the "program", in the parishes of East Baton Rouge, Iberia, St. Mary, and St. Martin. The purpose of the program shall be to address the underlying causes of behavioral problems and school performance problems related to behavior by pooling existing resources targeted at the child and family through appropriate action by service and treatment providers. The legislature finds:

(1)  Research indicates that early identification and intervention of aggressive, antisocial, or delinquent behaviors are critical to the prevention of juvenile delinquency in later years.

(2)  Research also indicates that school-based preventive tactics for violent or aggressive behaviors are beneficial to the overall academic success of children, especially when such programs include parental involvement in prevention and intervention strategies.

(3)(a)  The district attorney of Iberia, St. Mary, and St. Martin parishes, in conjunction with the local school boards in such parishes, has demonstrated a willingness to address behavioral problems or school performance problems related to behavior by providing physical locations in each parish where personnel can work together in a coordinated effort.

(b)  The district attorney of East Baton Rouge Parish, in conjunction with the local school boards in such parish, has demonstrated a willingness to address behavioral problems or school performance problems related to behavior by providing physical locations in the parish where personnel can work together in a coordinated effort.

(4)  Early intervention has been demonstrated as the key to providing the greatest chance for correcting the actions of youth who demonstrate a propensity for destructive or criminal behavior.

(5)  The earliest possible venue for addressing the problem begins in the elementary grades.

(6)  By intervening at this phase, it is possible to correct potential delinquent behavior before the changes for correction become insurmountable.

Acts 2004, No. 852, §1, eff. July 12, 2004; Acts 2009, No. 132, §1, eff. June 25, 2009; Acts 2014, No. 479, §1.