OJJDP FY 15 Smart on Juvenile Justice: Enhancing Youth Access to Justice Initiative

This initiative will provide funding to (1) develop effective, well-resourced model juvenile indigent defender offices and (2) develop and implement standards of practice and policy for the effective management of such offices. Through training and technical assistance, this initiative will provide cost-effective and innovative training for the juvenile indigent defense bar and court-appointed counsel working on behalf of juvenile indigent defendants, particularly in traditionally underserved areas. The initiative will also fund the development of state or regional resource centers/hubs that will assist state, Tribal, and local juvenile defense systems with collecting and analyzing data and leveraging resources.