Office of Youth and Families

On May 25, 2018, Mayor LaToya Cantrell signed an executive order establishing the new Office of Youth and Families (OYF) to drive strategic systems-level improvements for New Orleans young people and families.

Recognizing no single agency can tackle complex societal challenges alone, OYF was chartered to provide oversight and coordination between vital public services supporting our youth. This includes partnering closely with institutions like:

  • New Orleans Recreation Department Commission (NORDC)
  • New Orleans Public Library (NOPL)
  • New Orleans Public Schools

 

Mission

The Office of Youth and Families works to improve child well-being by increasing coordination between agencies, expanding resources, ensuring equitable policymaking, engaging youth and community input.

Vision

We envision a New Orleans where all children and families thrive.

Values

  • Opportunity 
  • Equity 
  • Voice  
  • Access 
  • Action 

Office Of Youth And Families

(504) 658-7806 Email Office Of Youth And Families
1300 Perdido Street 4W09 New Orleans, LA 70112

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Programs & Initiatives
Mayor's Youth Advisory Council

OYF and Neighborhood Engagement Office are pleased to announce an exciting development. Starting Fall 2023, the Junior Civic Leadership Academy (JCLA) will take place through the first three sessions of each term of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC). This program engages young people in policy-making and providing a platform for youth voice in government.  

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Programs & Initiatives
Parent Leadership Training Institute

The Office of Youth and Families is proud to partner with the National Parent Leadership Institute (NPLI) to bring the Parent Leadership Training Institute to the City of New Orleans.

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Programs & Initiatives
Pathways Youth Internship Program

In partnership with the Gracefully Mindful Wellness Institute, Pathways is a year-round workforce readiness and personal development program for 14-17 year old system-involved youth that seeks to mitigate youth poverty, unemployment, and recidivism by providing them with paid work internships, workshops focused on conflict resolution, mindfulness, and soft skills development.

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Programs & Initiatives
Summer Success

The Summer Success Initiative seeks to increase financial stability, employment access, and positive social support over the summer for system involved youth by assisting them with the enrollment processes at NORDC and the Mayor's Summer Employment Youth Program. Youth are provided with case management and transportation support if needed. 

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Programs & Initiatives
Mayor for a Day Essay Contest

The “Mayor for a Day” program aims to foster and encourage leadership in young people living in New Orleans.  New Orleans youth ages 11 to 18 are invited to write essays about what New Orleans would be like if they were Mayor for a day.

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Youth and Families
Topics

Youth and Families
Latest News

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February 19, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

UPDATED: City of New Orleans Unveils “The Big Green Easy” Parks Master Plan

The City of New Orleans today unveiled the “The Big Green Easy” parks master plan. This is a groundbreaking step towards ensuring equitable access to the benefits of parks, recreation and greenspace.  

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November 11, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

City Releases Youth Spend 2022 Innovative Tool Outlining Critical Investments

The Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families (OYF) today released Youth Spend 2022: New Orleans Investments in Youth and Children, demonstrating the City’s $53 million investment in resources targeted for this population. Next year, the City is poised to more than double the current investment in youth and children to over $110 million, utilizing funding from the early childhood education millage, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and the City’s fund balance. 

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July 25, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

MAYOR CANTRELL, NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT, COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS AND OFFICE OF YOUTH AND FAMILIES ANNOUNCE PLANS TO KEEP STUDENTS ENGAGED THIS FALL

Mayor LaToya Cantrell today joined New Orleans Public Schools (NOLA-PS) Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams to welcome students and families back to school this fall.

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July 13, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

CANTRELL ADMINISTRATION ISSUES STATEMENTS ON NOLA COALITION’S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY

Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration today issued statements regarding the NOLA Coalition’s recent commitment to improve public safety in the city. Commissioner Tenisha Stevens of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Coordination and Emily Wolff, director of the Office of Youth and Families, spoke in support of the NOLA Coalition’s efforts to supplement existing City programs through financial assistance.

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July 13, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families Celebrates Third Year of Summer Success Program Connecting At-Risk Youth with Work Readiness Opportunities

The Mayor's Office of Youth and Families (OYF), in partnership with JOB1, today announced the recent completion of its third year of the Summer Success program, which provides workforce readiness opportunities for New Orleans youth.

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June 15, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

MAYOR CANTRELL ANNOUNCES MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES THAT SUPPORT YOUTH AND FAMILIES

Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the Office of Youth and Families (OYF) today announced City investments for parental support and mental health initiatives for families impacted by the justice system.

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