What Programs Are Available to Inmates in Louisiana State Custody?

Louisiana's Department of Public Safety & Corrections offers a range of rehabilitative programs across its state institutions. These programs help people build practical skills and prepare for life after release.

Basic education is one of the core program areas. The department ties education support to practical job skills training, helping people build foundational skills that matter after release.

Vocational and occupational programs are another major category. These focus on work-related skills and trades that can lead to real job opportunities.

Faith-based programs are also available. Depending on the facility, these run alongside other rehabilitative options as part of regular programming.

Substance abuse programs provide treatment and recovery support. For many, this is a critical piece of building a safer, more stable path back to the community.

Mental health treatment is part of the department's offerings. If your loved one needs this kind of support, it may be available through their facility and case planning.

Values development programs focus on decision-making, personal responsibility, and building habits that support successful reentry.

Examples

• ✓ Basic education and job skills training (often paired together in reentry-focused planning)
• ✓ Vocational and occupational training geared toward work skills
• ✓ Substance abuse treatment services
• ✓ Values development programming
• ✓ Discharge planning that is designed to be public-safety conscious
• ✓ Reentry-oriented preparation that builds practical readiness for life after custody

1. Confirm where your loved one is housed. Programs can be offered in state institutions and in designated local jails that partner with the department, so location affects what’s available.
2. Use the department’s location information for that site. Look up the facility on the department’s location pages so you’re working from the correct institution or partner jail.
3. Ask for the program list and eligibility details. Contact the facility and ask to be directed to reentry staff if applicable, and have your loved one ask their assigned caseworker about which programs are currently offered and what the sign-up process looks like.

The department's catalog covers what's available across Louisiana's correctional system, but expect differences from place to place. Not every state institution or partner jail offers every program. Access depends on where someone is housed and how programming works at that site. The fastest way to get a clear answer? Ask the facility or your loved one's caseworker what's currently running.