Early Intervention Program

The Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office Early Intervention Program was started in March of 2007 by District Attorney John F. DeRosier. It targets at-risk elementary school kids who are in need of additional assistance with various life issues. The goal of the program is to ensure that these children and their families remain out of the juvenile justice system. The program is currently active at four local elementary schools: 1) JJ Johnson; 2) Ralph Wilson; 3) Pearl Watson; and 4) JD Clifton. Case Manager Bonita Kirk is responsible for helping to identify eligible children. Ms. Kirk also assists families in accessing resources, which in turn empowers them to make better decisions. Additional counseling is provided to some children and families by Licensed Professional Counselor Ray Mellerine. The program’s Coordinator is Assistant District Attorney Carla S. Sigler.

The program is assisted by the Prosecutor’s Early Intervention Program in New Iberia, Louisiana, a long-standing leader in this area. The program is funded by a government grant and through the generous support of the Calcasieu Parish School Board. Calcasieu Parish School Board Superintendent Wayne Savoy and Mr. James Powers have been instrumental in assisting with the development and implementation of this program.