New Report Reveals Louisiana Youth Face Alarming Challenges — and a Chance for Systemic Change

Baton Rouge, LA — September 11, 2025 — A new statewide report, State of the Youth in Louisiana – 2025, highlights urgent issues facing young people and calls on service providers, policymakers, and community leaders to collaborate on bold solutions.

The report, prepared by Tekoah Boatner, HS-BCP, PMP shows that nearly one in five youth in Louisiana lives in poverty, 17.7% of 16–24-year-olds are not in school or working, and suicide attempt rates among adolescents are nearly double the national average. Black youth remain dramatically overrepresented in secure detention, making up 75% of the detained population despite being 42% of the state’s school-age population.

“This data tells a story we can’t ignore,” said Tekoah Boatner, author of the report and CEO of Youth Oasis. “Louisiana’s youth are at a crossroads, and so are we. We have an unprecedented opportunity to build systems that are more equitable, trauma-informed, and responsive to young people’s needs.”

The report not only outlines the challenges but also highlights solutions, from the “one-door” service integration model being piloted in three parishes to the expansion of school-based health centers and restorative justice programs. It provides concrete recommendations for providers to strengthen partnerships, prepare for outcome-based contracting, and integrate mental health and family engagement services into their work.

The full report is available for download here.