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Swanson Youth Center is for State Juvenile offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.
All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State juvenile low facility.
The phone carrier is Securus Tech®, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.
If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders
The LA OJJ - Swanson Center for Youth at Columbia is within the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Department of Juvenile Justice located at 132 Hwy 850, Columbia, LA.
The facility provides supervision of youth in a safe, secure and humane environment. Services for youth include education, mental health, substance abuse, and health care. Medical and mental health are contracted services. Educational services are funded by the Louisiana Department of Education through local school districts.
A typical day in secure detention would involve hygiene, meals, school, structured physical and educational activities, and court appearance as scheduled. The average length of stay in secure state detention is approximately 60 days.
In May 2013, the Columbia area saw the introduction of a new resident in a familiar location when the Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) unveiled a secure care facility for delinquent juvenile males on the grounds of the former Department of Health and Hospitals/Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities’ Columbia Community Residential and Employment Services (CCRES).
Originally serving residents with developmental disabilities and providing vocational programming for day clients, CCRES underwent a significant transition in 2005. Following a Congressional mandate, the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) shifted its focus towards community-based residential services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Subsequently, all clients were transitioned to community-based care under private providers, leading to the closure of the facility. In 2010, the property was transferred from DHH to OJJ for the establishment of a secure care center for youth.
The newly established Swanson Center for Youth at Columbia offers a therapeutic and secure environment where youth receive treatment services and rehabilitation based on the nationally-acclaimed Louisiana model of therapeutic secure care. Complementing this is the on-site, state-approved Pinehill Alternative School, which provides educational opportunities for resident youth, including academic instruction and life skills training. Daily therapeutic group sessions address identified needs such as anger management and substance abuse.
The transition to the Columbia facility involved the relocation of youth and employees from the Swanson Center for Youth in Monroe following the completion of renovations to the 10-acre campus. This move aligns with OJJ's broader initiative for systemic reform in Louisiana's juvenile justice system, which began over a decade ago. The overarching goal is to establish smaller, regional facilities for the adjudicated youth population, moving away from the previous model of large, institutionalized corrections facilities. By providing treatment and rehabilitation services closer to their homes, OJJ aims to enhance family involvement in programming and maintain ties with the community to which youth will eventually return.
Juvenile facilities overseen by the State of Louisiana do not publish the names of the offenders housed in their facility. As such, there is no public forum for this information.
OJJ Visitation Guidelines link from their website - Support and visitation by family members play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of youth in secure care facilities. Visits from family members can serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for youth, encouraging their active participation in programming and helping them to achieve the goals outlined in their treatment plans. Moreover, such visits may contribute to the possibility of an earlier release date for the youth. Demonstrating your care through regular visits reassures your child that they are not forgotten and reinforces their sense of connection to their family.
During your visit, you will have the opportunity to meet with facility staff to discuss your child's progress and any concerns you may have. Your child may designate approved visitors, and the facility will assist them in creating a visitor list with guidance from their case manager or counselor. This list will be available for your review.
To ensure the safety and security of all individuals involved, background checks are conducted on potential visitors before they are permitted to visit the facility grounds. Your child retains the right to refuse any visitor if they so choose.
If you encounter challenges in visiting your child due to transportation issues or personal circumstances, you are encouraged to reach out to the facility, regional office, or the OJJ Regional Family Liaison for assistance in scheduling a visit or addressing any other concerns you may have.
For detailed information on the visitor approval process and safety measures during visitation, please refer to the secure care facilities or contact the relevant authorities for guidance.
