Criminal Justice Committee Meeting

The New Orleans City Council's Criminal Justice Committee convened on September 28, 2026, focusing primarily on hearing directly from incarcerated youth at the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center (JJIC). The meeting featured personal testimonies from several youths detailing their challenging life experiences, including family instability, abuse, and systemic failures. Council members expressed empathy and emphasized the importance of community support and mentoring programs to aid these youths' rehabilitation and future success. Additionally, the committee discussed and approved a contract amendment to extend and increase funding for Ubuntu Village, a community violence intervention organization that works closely with at-risk youth and families in New Orleans. The contract extension through December 2027 ensures continued support for Ubuntu's violence prevention efforts without increasing the current year's budget. The meeting highlighted the council's commitment to addressing juvenile justice issues through both direct engagement and support of community-based programs.