Juvenile Indigent Defense Action Network launched
New Models for Change action network launched to improve young people’s access to and quality of counsel in delinquency proceedings.
The newest issue-focused leadership and problem-solving network created by Models for Change will convened for the first time in Fall 2008. The Juvenile Indigent Defense Action Network (JIDAN) is comprised of representatives from each of the four core states: Pennsylvania, Illinois, Louisiana and Washington. Four additional states were selected to participate through an open application process: California, Florida, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. The issue of juvenile indigent defense was selected because it is among the biggest challenges in developing a more fair and effective juvenile justice system.
“Every day, thousands of children find themselves involved in the juvenile court system unprotected,” said MacArthur President Jonathan Fanton. “It has been documented in some jurisdictions that as many as 80 to 90 percent of youth waive their right to counsel. As a result, young people may proceed through hearings where serious determinations are made, without adequate access to qualified counsel, often resulting in decisions that can have unfortunate lifelong consequences. That is why MacArthur has chosen to invest heavily in this area of juvenile justice reform.”
Teams from each of the action network states will collaborate on two “strategic innovation” areas: 1) improving access to counsel and 2) creating juvenile defense resource centers. Aimed at improving access to and quality of counsel representing youth in delinquency proceedings nationwide, the network provides a unique opportunity for a large group of states to work together on juvenile indigent defense issues. JIDAN is coordinated by the National Juvenile Defender Center, a member of the Models for Change National Resource Bank whose mission is to ensure excellence in juvenile defense to promote justice for all children.
To learn more about the Juvenile Indigent Defense Action Network please contact Rey Cheatham Banks, rbanks@njdc.info or call 202-452-0010.