Youth Law Center’s Post

🔍 Addressing Systemic Challenges in Youth Defense: Ensuring Qualified Representation for Cleveland’s Youth 🔍 A recent investigation has highlighted significant gaps in the legal defense provided to over 1,200 children in Cuyahoga County since 2020. Many of these young individuals, facing serious charges, were represented by court-appointed attorneys who lacked the state-required qualifications. This has led to concerns over fairness and equity within the juvenile justice system, with long-term implications for both the youth involved and their communities. Ohio’s qualification standards are intended to ensure that attorneys handling juvenile cases are equipped with specialized training in youth defense. However, systemic barriers and administrative hurdles have contributed to a shortage of qualified attorneys taking on these cases, disproportionately affecting Black youth who are often transferred to adult court without fully understanding their legal rights. 🔗 Please read the full article here https://bit.ly/3Tn9GWH At the Partnership for a Safer Cleveland, we are committed to driving change by advocating for reforms that ensure every child in our community receives the qualified, capable defense they deserve. This is a critical moment for collaboration between legal professionals, policymakers, and community advocates to address these systemic shortcomings and rebuild trust in the system. 📢 Let’s work together to create a more equitable justice system for all. #YouthJustice #LegalReform #Cleveland #JuvenileLaw #Equity #CommunityAdvocacy #JusticeForAll #SaferCleveland

American Bar Association, Family Justice Initiative Webinar Series Anti-Racist Lawyering in Practice October 22, 2024 | 3PM EST How can the legal community recognize and incorporate anti-racist practices inside and out of the courtroom? How can legal advocates challenge racism and inequity? If we do not take action, are we complicit? Raising issues of racism can be difficult, but is nonetheless imperative. How can counsel for all parties raise race and other equity issues for their clients? What is the best strategy for briefing this issue before the court, addressing it in policy meetings, and learning to identify, reflect upon and change one’s biases? In this presentation, attendees will learn about FJI’s Anti-Racist Lawyering Initiatives, explore how to implement strategies to confront racism, beginning with initial client conversations throughout each stage of a case. We will also explore how centering issues of racism is an effective practice in preventing unnecessary removals of children from their families. Speakers will include Phyllis Stricklan, Leslie Heimov, Amelia Watson and Jey Rajaraman. Please register here - https://lnkd.in/gsEBW46c https://lnkd.in/gr3DS5gU

The latest report from UCLA Law's Criminal Justice Program, authored by Leah Zeidler-Ordaz, an expert in youth justice policy at UCLA Law, and researched with the help of Jess Johnson '23, uncovers how collaborations between law enforcement and Los Angeles County’s child protective services agency can lead to family separation and criminalization. Read more about these findings ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g2KYPXid #Law #Education

The Lex - Blogs Juvenile Justice System https://lnkd.in/eze--QFS Written by: Hania Zehra Shah Advocate | Legal Researcher | Activist Post navigation #blogs #articles #lawblogs #lawarticles #law #lawyers #lawstudents #lawnews

In recognition of the Juvenile Justice Clinic's #50 year anniversary, check out this feature article from the latest issue of Georgetown Law Magazine that tells the story of the Clinic's founding and impact:

We agree with Rosie. Tinkering around the edges makes it look like things are changing but this week children have been court ordered into the hands of fathers sexually abusing them. Family court has taken over where the Catholic Church pedophile protection racket was shut down. Family Court is now the pedophile haven after the Royal commission into responses to child sexual abuse. We know that information about the family court came up during that Royal Commission only to be shut down and kept secret. Time is up for corrupt family court players. Clean it out. Everyone knows whose who in the despicable zoo! We know that 70% of cases involve allegations of child abuse. The family court is where wealthy child abusers go to pay to get away with their crimes. If you know a male who is the applicant in a family court case seeking full custody it’s highly likely his children have disclosed sexual abuse and he’s a perpetrator of domestic violence. Time for the good judges, lawyers and other family court professionals to do the right thing. Join together. Unite as professionals on the right side of history. #ItsTime #YoureRunningOutOfTimeToDoRight

AAfPE Outreach Committee presents the Access to Justice Panel Webinar Date: September 20th, 2024 Time: 12:00 PM ET Zoom Link: https://lnkd.in/gHtiCFAt Our distinguished panelists are expected to explore several critical topics, including: -The crucial role of legal services in expungement efforts. -The intricate dynamics between District Attorneys, Public Defenders, and legal service providers. -The wide-ranging implications of criminal convictions. -Challenges that impact the effectiveness of DA and PD offices. -The pressing need for criminal justice policy reforms to safeguard citizens' rights. -Opportunities for paralegals and students to contribute to organizations dedicated to advancing access to justice. Featured Panelists: -Erica Briant, Esq., Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania -Kenneth Hawk, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Eastern District of Texas -Bernie Zadrowski, Chief Litigator, Clark County DA’s Office in Las Vegas This webinar offers a unique platform to deepen your understanding of the current legal landscape and to engage with leaders who are driving criminal justice reform. Your involvement will be invaluable as we address the complexities of our justice system and consider practical solutions. We look forward to your participation in this crucial discussion.

This month, #GeorgetownLaw hosted a festive celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of its Juvenile Justice Clinic. The Clinic was not only one of the first at the Law Center, but has also been a pioneer in clinical legal education in the United States since its founding, and has continued to innovate and grow through the decades. Check out this feature article from the latest issue of Georgetown Law Magazine that tells the story of the Clinic's founding and impact: https://bit.ly/3Rgpud3

These are great points made here around the relevance of not only a victim impact statement, but also community impact statements. Surveying Canadians by province can help establish what community standards are, and violations of that. Important #legal #safeguarding discussion.

I am deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic shooting of Sonya Massey in Illinois. As a criminal defense attorney, parent, and leader of a leading legal advocacy organization, Gideon's Promise, I find this story troubling for my team and me for many reasons. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Sonya Massey’s family, friends, and the entire community during this incredibly difficult time. This senseless act of violence is a reminder of the urgent need for systemic reform and accountability within our law enforcement agencies.   Gideon’s Promise is a national community of public defenders who are committed to challenging the abuse of power disproportionately visited upon Black people and marginalized communities. Public defenders shine a light on, and fight against, abuses that happen in the streets and, for those who survive police encounters, that continue in the courts. We are the bulwark against state violence. When public defense is not funded, and state actors are allowed to act with impunity, tragedies like this one are the inevitable result. Our defenders bear witness to this violence and stand up to it every day.   The devastating loss of Sonya Massey underscores the critical importance of our work and the broader fight for justice and equality. We believe that effective legal representation and responsible law enforcement are not just aspirational rights, but are necessary elements for ensuring that justice is served and that all individuals are treated with equality and respect under the law.   We stand with the family of Sonya Massey during this painful time as they try to find some sense of justice and comfort. As public defenders, we know the system does not treat all people similarly, and the road ahead for Sonya Massey’s loved ones will be painful. Their quest for justice highlights the broader need for an equitable legal system that serves all populations, especially those who are most targeted.   Gideon’s Promise remains committed to advocating for reforms that promote objective and unbiased treatment and justice for all. We call upon policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to take immediate action to implement meaningful changes that will prevent future tragedies and ensure that our legal and justice systems work for every person.   Together, we can push for a system where every individual, regardless of their socio-economic status, receives the fair and unbigoted treatment they deserve. We stand in solidarity with those demanding justice for Sonya Massey and all victims of police violence.   In Unity