Louisiana State Programs for Troubled Children

Troubled children are at risk for developing severe mental problems that might lead to substance abuse, violence, depression or suicide. Fortunately, treatment programs help keep such children from reaching these circumstances by providing effective consultation and care. Louisiana offers these programs to troubled children with mental illness, aggressive behavior or emotional distress.

  1. Plaquemines Behavioral Health Center

    • The Plaquemines Behavioral Center is located in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, and offers outpatient care to adolescents who are emotionally disturbed and/or at risk. The program's mental health outpatient care involves "screening, evaluation, group, individual and family counseling and medication management." The facility also offers substance abuse services, but without detoxification, a process used to remove drugs from a person's body. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance are accepted as payment.

    Children's Special Health Services

    • The Children's Special Health Services (CSHS), administered by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, provides services to children with a risk of "physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition." Services include medical testing, therapy, medication, nursing, nutrition and case management. To apply, parents must contact their local CSHS Regional Office for further information. Participants must be under 21 years old, living in Louisiana and be referred by a school nurse or physician.

    Child Adolescent Response Team

    • The Child Adolescent Response Team (CART) program is offered by the Office of Mental Health and provides crisis counseling and intervention to at-risk children, adolescents and their families. At-risk behavior may include unmanageable behavior and hurtful attitudes toward others and self. Children must be under 18 years old and be reported by another child, parent, neighbor, teacher, family member, law enforcement, nurse or physician. Services are provided 24 hours a day.

    LA-YES

    • The Louisiana Youth Enhanced Services (LA-YES) is a program aimed at helping children with behavioral and emotional disorders by improving their relationships with their families, schools and communities at large. Families meet with health care professionals to develop a system of care catered to the needs of each child. The plan will involve health treatment and methods to improve social and cultural interaction.

    K-Bar-B Youth Ranch

    • The K-Bar-B Youth Ranch is located between Slidell and Lacombe, Louisiana, operating as a camp get-away for young girls who have suffered from abuse. The program offers treatment, usually completed within a year, that helps children overcome obstacles brought on by their abusive past. Children must be referred to the ranch by a psychiatrist or psychologist. After completion of the program, children are placed in foster homes, returned to their parents or a guardian.

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