Criminal Justice Committee Meeting – September 28, 2026

The Criminal Justice Committee met on September 28, 2026, to hear directly from youth incarcerated at the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center (JJIC) about their lived experiences, and to vote on a contract amendment for Ubuntu Village NOLA. The meeting featured powerful testimony from five young people, discussion of systemic failures, and a committee vote to forward a contract extension to the full council.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from the August 27, 2026 meeting: Motion by Councilmember Harris, seconded, and unanimously approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Larry Morgan urged support for the youth, stating they are “our future” and that he has sought help beyond city borders.
• Belden Batiste praised JJIC Executive Director Dichelle Williams, highlighted the work of community partners (e.g., Kevin Kimbrough, New Orleans Youth Coalition), and called for addressing root causes of crime such as poverty, education, and housing. He also announced a new group, “Know Who Whom Bow,” in memory of Jerome Smith.

Discussion Items

Juvenile Justice Intervention Center (JJIC) Presentations

• Executive Director Dichelle Williams introduced the session, emphasizing that the purpose was to hear the children’s stories, not to discuss charges. She shared two anecdotes of youth in crisis (a teenage mother with a newborn and a homeless teen) to illustrate the unresolved trauma and lack of resources that precede incarceration.
• Five youth (Voices 1–5) spoke about their lives, including: poverty, single mothers, domestic violence, absent fathers, homelessness, hunger, grief from losing siblings to violence, and lack of mental health support. They expressed accountability for their actions but also explained how systemic and family failures contributed to their circumstances. Many noted that JJIC provides stability (meals, education, safety) that they lacked outside.
• Voice Number 2 added later that his mother chose an abusive partner over her children, and he has no home to return to upon release.
• Voice Number 1 disclosed that her mother is missing (kidnapped) and that she struggles with thoughts of self-harm, but is determined to improve.
• Statistics shared: Current JJIC population is 51 youth (down from a capacity of 76); 3 are girls, all are African American; only 3 active fathers are involved in the youth’s lives (visits, calls, etc.).
• Councilmember Eugene Green thanked the youth for their courage and noted that the system fails both victims and offenders. He mentioned resources such as social workers at NOPD districts and youth & family planning at City Hall.
• Councilmember Morel praised the youth’s accountability and emphasized that adults and elected officials bear responsibility for creating opportunities post-incarceration.
• Councilmember King expressed disappointment at the low public and media attendance. He thanked Ms. Williams for turning around JJIC and noted common themes of absent fathers and domestic violence. He questioned Voice Number 4 about being blocked from employment because his mother would lose subsidy income—the youth confirmed this.
• Councilmember King also asked the youth why JJIC is predominantly African American; they responded that other races have better resources and stable households, while black youth are often misled and lack guidance.

Discussion and Vote on Contract Amendment for Ubuntu Village NOLA

• Dr. Vegno (Health Department) presented Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Ubuntu Village NOLA. The amendment extends the term to December 2027 and increases compensation by $1.2 million (no additional funds in FY2026; the increase accounts for future years and allows billing under current budget). Ubuntu provides violence prevention: street outreach, conflict mediation, hospital response, family bereavement support, and the “four by six” block-by-block environmental crime remediation.
• Councilmember Green praised Ubuntu’s role in reducing violence, noting New Orleans is on track for its lowest violent crime rate since 1957.
• Councilmember King moved to accept the contract; seconded by Councilmember Harris; all in favor. The item will go before the full council at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved unanimously.
• JJIC presentation concluded with acknowledgment of the youth’s stories; no formal vote taken.
• Ubuntu Village NOLA contract amendment (Amendment No. 2) was approved by the committee (motion by King, second by Harris) for full council consideration. The amendment extends the term to December 2027 and increases compensation by $1.2 million.
• Adjourned at approximately [time not specified] after motions by Councilmember Morel and second.