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WJDC | About Us
About Us
The Western Juvenile Defender Center works to build the capacity of the juvenile defense bar and to improve access to counsel and quality of representation for children in the justice system. We're there to support juvenile defenders through training, networking and assessment; we seek to educate a broad range of juvenile justice professionals and the general public; and we strive to create a society that treats all children with respect, dignity, and fairness. The Western Juvenile Defender Center is the regional affiliate of the National Juvenile Defender Center located in Washington D.C.
Mission
To ensure excellence in juvenile defense and promote justice for all children.
Statement of Beliefs
We believe that:
- All children in the justice system must have ready and timely access to capable, well-resourced, well-trained legal counsel;
- All children are entitled to legal representation that is: individualized; developmentally and age appropriate; and free of racial, ethnic, gender, social, and economic bias;
- All children have strengths and the potential to become productive members of society and each has the right to constitutional and statutory protections;
- The juvenile defense bar must build its capacity, develop leadership and demonstrate a commitment to professionalism;
- The juvenile defense bar must promote accountability and bring about reform in the juvenile justice system;
- The juvenile defense bar's role in the justice system will be advanced through collaboration and partnership; and
- The juvenile defense system will be enhanced by greater community involvement.
The WJDC Goals
The Western Juvenile Defender Center works to create an environment in which:
- Children are treated with respect, dignity and fairness;
- Juvenile courts are knowledgeable, sensitive and responsive to the needs of children;
- Excellence is routine in juvenile defense;
- Juvenile defenders have the capacity to fully protect children's rights, including adequate resources and compensation, manageable caseloads, and sufficient access to investigation, expert and other ancillary and administrative support;
- Juvenile defenders have resources and pay parity with juvenile prosecutors; and
- The representation of children is specialized and adequate opportunities exist for juvenile defenders to fully exercise and enhance their legal, political, organizational, research and advocacy skills.
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