About Us

The 22nd JDC Re-Entry Court program was established in 2012 by Judge William Knight who presided over the program from inception through 2020. This problem solving court, now presided over by Judge William H. Burris, is a multi-faceted program which combines the resources of the correctional system, law enforcement and the judicial branch. These resources include mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, education and workforce development in order to reverse the disturbing trend of high incarceration rates and low rates of behavioral change in felony offenders.

Mission

Reduce recidivism of individuals in the criminal justice system. The goal is to provide the participant with the resources and skills necessary to successfully re-enter society.

Program Requirements

Re-Entry Court is voluntary, The pre-release phase of the program is conducted at Louisiana State Penitentiary.

Pre-Release Requirements Include:

• Moral Reconation Therapy
• Life Skills Training
• Vocational Training
• GED Instruction
• Substance Abuse Treatment

Referral and Eligibility

• Approval of DA’s Office
• Pre-sentencing Assessments

General Eligibility Includes:

• No sex offenders or crimes of violence
• 7 to 10 years minimum hard labor sentence
• Completion of the pre-release phase of the program is conducted at Louisiana State Penitentiary.
• 2 years minimum incarceration period
• Must petition the court to be placed on the Reentry Probation portion of the program

Case Management

• Pre-release assistance with employment, residence and community support placements
• Post-release information and referrals
• Individual services coordination
• Medical and Medically Assisted Treatment referrals
• Frequent personal contact with clients
• Weekly reports to the court for status hearings

Re-Entry Court Team

• District Judge
• Administrator/Program Coordinator
• Case Managers
• State Probation And Parole
• Treatment Providers
• District Forensic Coordinator
• District Attorney’s Office
• Public Defender’s Office
• Community Liaisons/Ancillary Services
• Education Specialist
• Clerk Of Court

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

Confucius

Testimonial

It’s crazy how this program is changing me and helping me grow into that ideal man I want to be. I’ve been in programs before but nothing like this one but re-entry gives me hope and makes me believe in me more and it changed my outlook on life, period. I admit I am sensitive when I think about how I was and how I am today. This opportunity has saved my life. I will keep pushing every day. My light is bound to shine.