ALEXANDRIA, La. — The Louisiana Supreme Court is bringing judges, educators and community partners together this week for a statewide conference focused on improving how Louisiana responds to children and families experiencing trauma and instability.

The “Building a Trauma-Sensitive State” conference begins Tuesday, Sept. 29, in Alexandria and continues through Oct. 2. The event is organized through the court’s Families in Need of Services Assistance Program, or FINS-AP. Press Release Trauma-Sensitive …

The conference will focus on recognizing the issues that may be behind a child’s behavior rather than addressing behavior alone. Organizers say trauma and instability can affect school attendance, family relationships and a child’s ability to succeed at home and in the classroom. Press Release Trauma-Sensitive …

Participants will learn strategies aimed at helping families receive support earlier, potentially preventing problems from escalating to the point that formal court intervention is necessary.

Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer said the state’s previous work addressing issues such as truancy has shown the value of working directly with at-risk families before they become more deeply involved in the judicial system. Press Release Trauma-Sensitive …

Conference sessions will address trauma-informed communication, de-escalation, case management, youth involvement and support for children with disabilities or developmental differences. Participants will also work on practical solutions to challenges including transportation barriers, family instability, learning needs and lack of support. Press Release Trauma-Sensitive …

A major focus of the conference will be collaboration among courts, schools, community organizations and other services that work with children and families. Participants will develop 90-day action steps designed to address challenges in their own communities. Press Release Trauma-Sensitive …

The conference is part of the Louisiana Supreme Court’s broader effort to strengthen the informal FINS process, which uses early intervention to connect families with services before issues require more formal court involvement.