COMMENDATIONS: Commends Chief Judge Ree Casey Jones and Caddo Juvenile Court on the achievements of S.T.A.R. Court, Louisiana's first specialized court against human trafficking

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2026 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 31
BY REPRESENTATIVE WALTERS
A RESOLUTION
To commend Chief Judge Ree Casey Jones and Caddo Juvenile Court on the achievements
of S.T.A.R. Court, Louisiana's first specialized court against human trafficking.
WHEREAS, it is most fitting to recognize Chief Judge Ree Casey Jones, the Caddo
Juvenile Court, and the Juvenile Probation Department for their efforts to combat human
trafficking in the parish; and
WHEREAS, Chief Judge Jones, the Caddo Parish Juvenile Court, and the Juvenile
Probation Department have worked with the parish's community partners to develop
innovative interventions for youth who are at high risk for human trafficking and victims of
human trafficking; and
WHEREAS, these efforts began in 2013 with the development of the Caddo-Bossier
Community Response Team; the multi-disciplinary team calls on community partners to
meet every two weeks to develop trauma-informed and comprehensive service plans for
high-risk youth and victims of human trafficking; and
WHEREAS, the Caddo-Bossier Community Response Team's approach has been
replicated in parishes across Louisiana; in 2015, the Specialized Intensive Probation Unit
was implemented with two highly-trained and skilled probation officers who supervise a
caseload of high-risk and confirmed victims who are involved in the juvenile justice system;
and
WHEREAS, S.T.A.R. Court was introduced in Caddo Parish on March 1, 2019; the
court is Louisiana's first trafficking-specific specialized court; the court uses a phase system
and incentives to encourage participants to follow the conditions of probation, make better
choices, and participate in long-term treatment, support, and recovery; and
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HR NO. 31 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, S.T.A.R. Court's specialized response system is most deserving of the
highest recognition for providing unique opportunities, treatment, and support for Caddo
Parish youth and the community at large.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Chief Judge Ree Casey Jones and Caddo
Juvenile Court on the achievements of Louisiana's first S.T.A.R. Court against human
trafficking and does hereby extend enduring appreciation for their efforts to support and
protect Caddo Parish at-risk youth.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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