If the criminal justice system is failing to even slow down the current wave of juvenile crime, has the time come to start going after the parents of these young criminals financially?
One of the area's more prominent criminal defense lawyers suggests fining parents and guardians.
Robert Jenkins says if the parents can't or won't pay the penalties, they should lose any government benefits they get.
Jenkins, who appeared on WWL First News this morning, says taking away food stamps, Section 8 housing vouchers, and welfare would get parents attention and force them to get their kids in line.
"Once you do that, you're going to have more parents being responsible because they are not going to get that money that comes in monthly because the government is going to take it," Jenkins said.
Jenkins compares the current youth lock up to a social experience.
"I have said for years it's more like a Boys Club, it's like a revolving door with some of them even enjoying the jail," said Jenkins.
Some critics accused Jenkins of going after poor people in New Orleans, but he defends his position until something else is suggested.
He says similar measures worked in the past when the Housing Authority of New Orleans kicked out residents when criminal activity took place at their units in public housing.
Jenkins says it's going to take some harsh measures to turn this youth crime problem around.
