Youth Matters

Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced plans to curb juvenile crime and offer effective solutions to ensure that young people are safe in our city while promoting public safety.

This coordinated effort will include partners across the Cantrell administration, along with representatives from law enforcement, judicial representatives, public defenders, workforce development partners, and various community organizations such as the Covenant House and the Youth Opportunity Center.

NOPD

Juvenile Curfew

The New Orleans Police Department renews enforcement of a curfew for teens ages 16 and under starting June 2.

  • The curfew hours will kick in at 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursday, 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (8 p.m. in the French Quarter).
  • NOPD will make a first attempt to contact a parent/guardian; if NOPD is unable to connect with parent/guardian, youth will be transported to the Covenant House.
  • Youth will receive case management services via the Youth Opportunity Center.
  •  There will be an enforcement action applied if parents or legal guardians do not take appropriate action.
  • Penalties will apply to parents or legal guardians after a juvenile is picked up for curfew violations three times in a calendar year. In that case, a summons to juvenile court will be issued.

YOUTH JOBS

The administration is also excited to announce the Summer Success job program through the Office of Youth and Families and JOB1. The program will offer 100 youth who have been involved in the juvenile justice system a paid summer job opportunity for 5 weeks this summer. Youth will also receive case management services, counseling, and bus passes to ensure transportation is not a barrier. Find more information at nola.gov/economic-development/workforce-development/

NORD

The City also encourages youth and their families to access the program opportunities offered by the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC). This summer, NORD offers healthy activities, jobs and special event programming, including 15 Teen Career Camps (for ages 13-15) that will serve more than 1,000 teens across the city for six weeks. Teens will have the opportunity to earn stipends of $75 per week. Camps begin June 3. NORD also plans to hire more than 150 lifeguards for the summer pool season, which also begins on June 3. Details below.

  • Every summer NORD provides residents, including teens with an array of quality job opportunities, camps, programming, classes, and events, all at no cost.
  • 2019 Teen Career Camp
    • NORD will offer 15 Teen Career Camps (ages 13-15) which will serve over 1,000 teens across the city for six weeks.
    • There are LIMITED spaces available.
    • Applications are accepted at Milne Rec Center, 5420 Franklin Ave. now until all camps are full.
    • Free breakfast and lunch are provided daily during the camp. Additionally, teens have the opportunity to earn a stipend of $75 per week.
    • Career camp begins Monday, June 3, 2019.
    • For more information on the Teen Career Camp, parents may visit www.nordc.org.
  • NORD is also hiring over 150 lifeguards for the summer 2019 pool season. Applicants will need prior lifeguard experience - as training has started.
    • Please contact NORD Aquatics at (504) 658-3052 for more information.
    • Pools open on Saturday, June 1, 2019.
    • Check www.nordc.org for the current pool schedules.
  • NORD is always looking for Volunteers.
    • Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the community and provides an opportunity to develop new skills, experience, and knowledge.
    • NORD offers various volunteer opportunities year-round:
      • Rec Centers
      • Outdoors
      • Special Events
      • Volunteer Groups
      • Athletics
      • Booster Clubs
  • For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact our Volunteer/Booster Club Coordinator at 504-658-3052

NOPL

The New Orleans Public Library’s Summer Fun program will focus heavily on promoting literacy. The area’s 15 libraries will offer games, prizes and a range of activities. (More information can be found at nolalibrary.org/article/77/summer-is-coming)

Children and teens can earn additional prizes and raffle tickets each time they read or are read to for 200 minutes, up to 1,000 minutes.

Special teen events include:

  • Nintendo Switch Gaming Sessions
  • Teen Astronaut Training
  • Simple Coding with Ozobots Coding Robots
  • Crafting with Heat-Fused Perler Beads
  • Acting Classes
  • Comic Book Club