The State vs. Trans Kids: A Generation at Risk

Feb 13, 2025 | Children & Families

Anti-Trans Legislation and Its Immediate Consequences

Across the United States, a surge of anti-transgender laws is having devastating effects on transgender and nonbinary youth. These laws are framed as protecting children while doing the exact opposite. According to a study by The Trevor Project, suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth have spiked by as much as 72% in states that passed anti-trans legislation​(Youth Today)​(The Trevor Project). These laws—restricting access to gender-affirming care, bathroom rights, and sports participation—send a clear message to young people that their identities are not valid.

The most affected are youth between the ages of 13-17, who often rely on medical and social support systems to navigate their identities. Denying these young people access to gender-affirming care not only increases their risk of mental health crises but can also lead to self-harm and suicide​(WGCU Public Media)​(The Trevor Project). In states that have enacted these laws, the youngest trans youth are reporting dramatically higher rates of depression, isolation, and hopelessness.

For these young people, anti-trans laws represent more than just legal restrictions—they symbolize societal rejection. When the law invalidates their existence, they feel powerless, unsupported, and unprotected. The immediate consequence is a worsening mental health crisis that could have been prevented through inclusive, compassionate care.

The Intersection of Identity, Racism, and Discrimination

For transgender and nonbinary youth of color, the burden of anti-trans laws is even heavier. These young people face intersectional discrimination, grappling not only with transphobia but also with systemic racism. Studies have shown that transgender youth of color experience higher rates of suicide attempts than their white peers, as they contend with both race-based bullying and laws targeting their gender identity​(Youth Today)​(Point of Pride).

In states with anti-trans legislation, the complex social environment creates a toxic environment where young people are isolated, fearful, and unable to access the support they need. For many, discrimination in schools, healthcare, and public life reinforces a sense of rejection on multiple fronts. They are marginalized for their gender identity AND their race, making their mental health outcomes particularly dire.

The rejection they face isn’t just social—it’s structural. Anti-trans laws prevent these youth from accessing gender-affirming care, a critical lifeline for their well-being. And because transgender youth of color already encounter racial disparities in healthcare access, these laws deepen existing inequalities. Without comprehensive support, their mental health suffers, and they are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and self-harm​(WGCU Public Media)​(KFF Health News).

The Long-Term Societal Impact

The passage of anti-trans laws doesn’t just affect the individual youth—they create a ripple effect that impacts society at large. By restricting gender-affirming care and other basic rights, these laws send a clear societal message: transgender and nonbinary people are not worthy of protection or validation. This not only fosters discrimination but also legitimizes transphobia, creating environments where it’s acceptable to reject and marginalize people based on their gender identity​(Youth Today)​(The Trevor Project).

For young people, these laws heighten the risk of social isolation, poverty, and long-term mental health challenges. Public rejection through legal action reinforces the idea that trans youth are undeserving of equal rights and opportunities. The result is a systemic cycle of exclusion that prevents these young people from accessing education, employment, and healthcare later in life​(Point of Pride)​(KFF Health News).

Moreover, when trans youth are denied access to gender-affirming care or forced into hostile environments, the entire community is impacted. Studies consistently show that inclusive policies lead to healthier, more productive citizens, while discriminatory laws only deepen inequality​(The Trevor Project)​(KFF Health News). For society to thrive, all individuals, especially its most vulnerable, must have the opportunity to live authentically and safely.

A Call for Compassion and Action

As the devastating rise in suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth demonstrates, the stakes are high. Anti-trans legislation does more than limit access to rights—it actively harms some of our most vulnerable young people, pushing them toward mental health crises and social isolation. The data is clear: gender-affirming care saves lives, and denying it has severe consequences​(Point of Pride)​(The Trevor Project).

We must take action to ensure these harmful policies are reversed. It’s not enough to simply condemn these laws—now is the time to actively support the organizations that are advocating for transgender rights and mental health services. Groups like The Trevor Project, which provides life-saving support to LGBTQ+ youth, and Point of Pride, which helps transgender individuals access healthcare, are on the frontlines, fighting to protect the lives and dignity of these young people​(Youth Today)​(Point of Pride).

It’s also critical that we advocate for inclusive policies at every level—whether by supporting local initiatives that create brave spaces for transgender youth or by contacting lawmakers to express our opposition to anti-trans legislation. We need to foster a culture of compassion and understanding, one where every young person is valued for who they are, and have the opportunity to thrive.

This moment calls for more than words—it demands action. We must stand up for transgender and nonbinary youth, ensuring that their futures are filled with hope and possibility, rather than fear and rejection.

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Support for Louisiana’s Transition-Age Youth

Jan 2, 2025 | Children & Families

Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic, transition-age youth (16–24) nationwide continue to bear the brunt of disconnection from education, employment opportunities, and community. In Louisiana and more specifically, Baton Rouge, fragmented access to education, employment, healthcare, and safe community gathering places has created an environment where youth are susceptible to involvement with the juvenile justice system and foster care. To address these challenges, we need initiatives in each of these areas to expand programming and resources dedicated to this vulnerable group.

The Current Landscape

Transition-age youth in Louisiana face significant hurdles, with data revealing a troubling picture:

1. Disconnected Youth
   According to the KIDS COUNT Data Center, as of the most recent analysis, 16% of youth ages 16–24 in Louisiana are classified as “disconnected,” meaning they are neither in school nor working. This is higher than the national average of 11%, underlining the acute challenges faced by this group in Louisiana.
2. Limited Targeted Initiatives
   Most statewide programming tends to focus on initiatives that support younger children. Prevention is an absolute must and these services are critical. We also know that for prevention to be successful, it must span all ages. Youth can enter foster care and juvenile incarceration at any age and older youth fare worse outcomes.  Foster youth aging out of the system are particularly vulnerable; 23% of Louisiana’s youth exiting foster care end up experiencing homelessness within their first year of independence (KIDS COUNT, 2023).
3. Increased focus on Juvenile Incarceration
   Over 40% of youth exiting juvenile facilities in Louisiana are left without any formal reentry program, increasing the likelihood of recidivism and socio-economic instability. Yet, we continue to expand pipelines to juvenile incarceration without increasing diversion services and other alternatives to incarceration.
4. Early Childhood Focus
   Across each major agency, transition-age youth remain underrepresented in funding allocations. Yet, research shows that investment in transition-age services yields long-term economic benefits by reducing reliance on public welfare systems.

The Need for Expanded Services

The lack of comprehensive support for transition-age youth has led to alarming outcomes:

1. Educational Disengagement
   In Louisiana, 19% of 18–24-year-olds lack a high school diploma or equivalent, significantly reducing their earning potential and economic mobility. Programs aimed at addressing educational deficits are underfunded or inaccessible to many.
2. Mental Health Concerns
   The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues among young people. As reported by KIDS COUNT, 25% of Louisiana youth experience symptoms of depression or anxiety, yet access to mental health services remains limited, particularly for those transitioning out of foster care or juvenile justice systems.
3. Workforce Integration
   A lack of job readiness programs leaves many youth unprepared for employment opportunities. Data indicates that 34% of Louisiana youth lack the skills necessary for workforce integration, highlighting the urgent need for training and employment pathways.

Recommendations for Action

To effectively support transition-age youth, the following strategies should be prioritized:

1. Enhanced Educational Programs
   • Expand access to GED programs and vocational training tailored to disconnected youth.
   • Provide alternative education models that include online learning and flexible schedules to accommodate work and caregiving responsibilities.
   • Establish partnerships with community colleges to offer tuition assistance or fee waivers.
2. Mental Health Services
   • Develop mental health programs specifically tailored to youth exiting foster care or the juvenile justice system.
   • Increase funding for school-based counseling and mobile crisis intervention teams.
   • Integrate mental health services into existing community-based programs.
3. Workforce Development
   • Launch public-private partnerships to create internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing opportunities.
   • Offer tax incentives to businesses that hire transition-age youth.
   • Develop job training programs that align with Louisiana’s key industries, such as energy, healthcare, and technology.
4. Housing Support
   • Implement transitional housing programs for youth aging out of foster care or leaving juvenile facilities.
   • Provide rental assistance and case management to ensure stable housing.
   • Expand programs like Rapid Re-Housing to include transition-age youth.
5. Community-Based Reentry Programs
   • Invest in community-based reentry programs like the Youth Oasis’ Resilient Futures Program, which provides mentorship and skill-building for youth returning to their communities.
   • Develop peer-led initiatives to foster trust and engagement among participants.

The Importance of Data-Driven Approaches

Utilizing data from KIDS COUNT can help inform targeted interventions. For example, identifying areas with the highest rates of disconnected youth can enable policymakers to prioritize resources where they are most needed. Similarly, analyzing outcomes for youth participating in pilot programs like YVLifeSet can help refine and expand successful models.

Conclusion

Investing in Louisiana’s transition-age youth is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. Addressing the challenges faced by these young people requires a coordinated, data-driven approach that prioritizes education, mental health, workforce development, housing, and reentry programs. By expanding and enhancing targeted programs through the Louisiana Departments of Juvenile Justice and Children and Family Services, the state can empower its youth to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

For further information and statistical insights, visit the KIDS COUNT Data Center.

Louisiana’s New Law Hurts Our Most Vulnerable Youth: A Call for True Justice and Compassion

Oct 7, 2024 | Children & Families

The Injustice of Prosecuting 17-Year-Olds as Adults

Louisiana’s new law, designed to combat teen violence, has once again shown what happens when lawmakers disregard the people most impacted by a law.  While lawmakers argue that this law is a necessary response to rising youth crime, the reality is starkly different. A vast majority of the 17-year-olds being swept into the adult court system are not violent offenders. According to recent reports, 69% of the 17-year-olds arrested since the law’s enactment were charged with non-violent crimes such as property damage, minor theft, or marijuana possession​(Omaha Daily Record)​(Juvenile Law Center). These are offenses typically tied to adolescent impulsiveness and survival rather than criminal intent.

For marginalized youth—particularly Black youth, who make up nearly 90% of those arrested under this law—the consequences are even more devastating. Instead of addressing the underlying causes of these behaviors, such as economic hardship or systemic inequality, this law treats them as criminals before they’ve had a chance to grow through the trauma of living in an environment with little to no protective factors. These young people are denied the protections and rehabilitative opportunities provided in juvenile courts and instead face the life-altering consequences of an adult criminal record.

The case of a New Orleans teen, arrested for unauthorized use of a vehicle during a family dispute, underscores the absurdity of this law. In previous years, he would have been handled in juvenile court with a focus on rehabilitation. Now, with an adult charge, his future is shaped by a criminal record, limiting his chances for housing, employment, and stability​.

A Contradiction of Pro-Life Values

Louisiana prides itself on its pro-life stance, advocating for the protection and care of young lives. Yet, the passage of this law, which prosecutes 17-year-olds as adults, fundamentally undermines these values. Instead of offering troubled youth the support and rehabilitation they need, the state is now stripping them of their right to growth and recovery.

The juvenile justice system is designed to provide youth with a second chance—a system that acknowledges that youth are still developing the skills that lead to good judgment and focuses on rehabilitation over punishment. Studies show that youth tried in juvenile court are more likely to benefit from programs that are restorative, leading to lower recidivism rates and a greater chance of reintegration into society. This approach aligns more closely with values that prioritize life, opportunity, and long-term success​ ​(ProPublica).

However, under this law, 17-year-olds arrested for non-violent offenses are thrown into the adult system, where they face public criminal records and prison sentences that follow them for life. These records severely limit their access to employment, education, and housing—basic needs that are critical to breaking cycles of poverty and crime. For these young individuals, the law represents a life sentence of poverty, homelessness, complex trauma and a host of other societal ills that depress their chance for stability and successful civic participation.​

The inconsistency in values is clear: how can a state that claims to protect life deny young people access to the services that could help them build productive, healthy lives? By prosecuting these teens as adults, Louisiana is turning its back on its pro-life promise and, instead, perpetuating a system that sets vulnerable youth up for failure.

Real-Life Consequences for Youth

As a provider in the Youth Services space that manages a transitional living program for 16-21-year-olds, I see firsthand how laws like this leave vulnerable youth without the resources they need to succeed. In our program, we provide critical services—housing, life skills, transportation, and basic needs support—specifically for justice-involved youth. Now, 17-year-olds charged as adults are no longer eligible for these services. Did the taxpayers agree to absorb the financial ramifications of this law?

This means that a 17-year-old, arrested for something as minor as trespassing or theft under $1,000, is now ineligible for non-secure care. Instead of receiving guidance and rehabilitation, they face the cold, harsh reality of adult jail or prison. These young people, who are often still maturing and learning how to navigate life, are denied the support systems that can help them transition into productive adulthood.

Without access to housing or transportation, many of these teens are forced into unstable environments, increasing their likelihood of reoffending. The law essentially abandons them at the exact moment they need help the most. These are not hardened criminals—they are adolescents making impulsive mistakes. But with this law, they lose their chance to learn, grow, and reintegrate into society, which ultimately creates a cycle of recidivism, generational poverty​, and disconnection.

The consequences extend far beyond the courtroom. Once these youth enter the adult system, they face lifelong barriers to education, employment, and housing. It’s a system that imposes a punishment that far exceeds the crime. And for youth already facing challenges, such as those who are LGBTQ+ or youth of color, the effects are even more severe.

We’ve Done This Before. It Didn’t Work Then, It  Doesn’t Work Now

The long-term consequences of prosecuting 17-year-olds as adults are far-reaching and devastating. Once these young people are thrust into the adult criminal justice system, they lose access to the rehabilitative programs that are proven to help reduce recidivism and support positive development. Instead, they are subjected to harsher sentences, public criminal records, and a permanent label that follows them for the rest of their lives.

Research shows that prosecuting juveniles as adults increases the likelihood of reoffending. Youth who go through the adult system are more likely to commit new crimes, partly because they lack the resources to reintegrate into society after their release​.

Instead of receiving education, mental health services, or vocational training, these youth are left with a prison record that blocks access to jobs and stable housing.

There are effective alternatives to this punitive approach. Rehabilitative and restorative justice programs have been shown to address the root causes of youth crime far more effectively than incarceration. These programs focus on providing counseling, life skills, and educational opportunities that help youth make better decisions and build a future outside of the justice system. States that have invested in such programs have seen reductions in youth crime and recidivism​.

Louisiana needs to shift its focus away from punishment and toward solutions that support youth development. By providing these young people with the tools they need to succeed—housing, life skills training, counseling—we can help break the cycle of crime and incarceration. This is especially important for vulnerable youth, such as those in foster care, LGBTQ+ youth, and youth of color, who are disproportionately affected by these harsh laws.

We Can do Better by Doing More

Louisiana’s new law does more harm than good. It strips vulnerable 17-year-olds of the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and access the resources that could help them build a better future. As a state that claims to protect life, we must reflect on what that truly means. Rather than funneling teenagers into a system that sets them up for failure, Louisiana should be investing in rehabilitative, community-based alternatives that give youth the chance to grow, reform, and thrive.

We owe it to our young people to be the adults we needed while growing up. We can’t be that if they are behind bars.