Regional Juvenile Defense Initiative

The Enhancements for Juvenile Defense program supports states and localities in developing and implementing tools and strategies to ensure that youth involved with the juvenile justice system have fair and equal access to high-quality legal representation and to resources that address the collateral consequences of justice system involvement.

The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) will develop a regional multistakeholder approach to improve juvenile defense in an underserved region of the state. In partnership with Benton and Franklin Counties, the Washington State OPD will cross-train local juvenile justice stakeholders, provide social work services to address youth’s rehabilitative needs, and increase resources to local contract defenders. This initiative aims to help reduce juvenile recidivism and improve services and outcomes for youth and their families. The project will deliver training to partners, including judges, attorneys, and probation officers, working in the Benton and Franklin Counties juvenile justice system, and help participants identify and develop strategies for improving local services. CA/NCF