Juvenile and Family Court Judges toured the CARE Center as a model for communities

Visiting the Plaquemines Parish CARE Center last month were, from left, David Sikes, MfC Project Manger Louisiana Council of Juvenile aand Family Court Judges; James M. Cunningham, Rayne City Court; Annette M. LaSalle, East Baton Family Court; Guy E. Bradberry, 14th Judicial District Court; Dawn Amacker, 22nd Judicial District Court; Nancy A. Konrad, Jefferson Juvenile Court; Joy C. Lobrano 25th JDC, 4th Circuit Court of Appeals–Elect; Patricia E. Koch , 9th Judicial District Court; and George C. Murray, Vidalia City Court.

It was a proud day for the Plaquemines Community C.A.R.E. Center last month when the facility was chosen by the Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges to tour, as a model for suburban rural parishes that provides multifaceted services and support to its residents.

For the past two years, the Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, through the McArthur Foundation Models for Change grant, has held regional Judicial Summits touring various centers and facilities throughout the state.  These tours have focused on centers and programs that serve as models for the efficient delivery of services to juveniles and families representing best practices and cost-effective long-term planning.
The visit began with the judges and local officials touring the CARE Center, led by Judge Joy Cossich Lobrano, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Detective Cathy Butler, Executive Director Julie Olsen and Clinical Director Mandy Carter.

The tour was followed by an informational reception, which included all of the agencies and organizations that coordinate with the CARE Center to provide an array of services to the residents of Plaquemines Parish. The Pediatric Mobile Health Unit that is provided through the Children’s Health Fund was also on display for visitors to see first hand.

Tour organizers said this event was a wonderful opportunity for our parish to showcase the Plaquemines Community CARE Center and its public partners and affiliates.

The CARE Center is an innovative multi-functioning center providing comprehensive behavioral health services and community-based programs to children, families and adults throughout Plaquemines Parish. One of its missions is to protect Children, Victims, the Elderly and Disabled of Plaquemines by providing a professional, compassionate and coordinated approach to individual and family needs.

Some of the agencies present were: CARE Center staff, Children’s Health Fund, YMCA, United Way, LA Spirit, Metropolitan Human Services District, CASA, Champs, Representatives of the 25th Judicial District Court, Department of Youth and Family Services, Plaquemines Parish Government, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and Public Defender’s Office, Department of Social Services, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Office of Mental Health.

For more information about the CARE Center and coordinating agencies, please call Lisa Becnel at 504.208.1290 or visit the CARE Center Web site at www.pcccf.org