As the juvenile public defender in New Orleans, our Children’s Defense Team represents more than 90% of children who come into contact with the juvenile justice system. We provide every child with a holistic defense team that looks beyond the charges they face to understand the full picture of their lives, strengths, needs, and goals.
Each child is supported by a team that includes a lawyer, social worker, investigator, and youth advocate . Working together, our team addresses both the legal consequences of an arrest and the circumstances that may have contributed to a child’s involvement with the justice system.
Our defense attorneys protect each child’s legal rights, advocate for their interests in court, and work to ensure that children are treated fairly throughout their case. Our attorneys follow the case through every step of the case.
Our social workers help identify and connect children and families with services and supports related to housing, education, mental health, family needs, and other challenges.
Our investigators gather information, interview witnesses, examine evidence, and help build a strong defense case.
Our youth advocates work directly with young people to make sure their voices, experiences, goals, and perspectives are heard and reflected in their defense.