Multi-Agency Resource Center

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

Calcasieu Parish's Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) is a new facility that introduces an innovative approach to Juvenile Justice. The purpose of the Multi-Agency Resource Center is for area agencies and organizations to provide services and referrals currently available to area juveniles in the community, all under one roof. The pooling of resources in the MARC facility reduces the length of time a juvenile must wait to have access to current community services, from several weeks to a matter of hours. Once at the MARC, needs are addressed and determined with each Juvenile based on data collected from an assessment process of testing and interviews. Information collected through this process assists staff in identifying the best approach to take with the juvenile. The MARC Process also makes every attempt to direct juveniles away from the juvenile justice system whenever possible, resulting in more productive outcomes for the youth and their families. Overall, this project is a great success that is an investment for a brighter future in the youth population.