Youth Justice
Challenging systems of inequality while maximizing young peoples’ potential for long-term success.
Children are more than just “good” or “bad.” Our justice systems should reflect that.
The Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts’ Youth Justice Practice provides zealous, client-directed representation when children and youth are in trouble with the law. Courts appoint Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts attorneys, who are certified by the state's Committee for Public Counsel Services' (CPCS), to represent children and youth at the trial level in Essex County and at the statewide appellate level.
For our clients
Representation that looks at the long-term.
Science-based strategies
Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts understands that children are different than adults, and that even if a young person is found to have violated the law, the delinquency adjudication that may result is not the same as a criminal conviction. Laws governing the prosecution of young people should reflect the science of child development: developing brains make delinquent acts more likely to occur, but less likely to persist or to warrant a punitive response. Our team weaves science into advocacy in the courtroom and beyond.
Keeping kids connected to their communities
Always respecting the goals set by the juvenile client in a case, attorneys engage in holistic advocacy aimed at disentangling children and youth from court systems and maximizing the likelihood of their long-term success. We support clients and their families to deepen positive connections to resources within their communities, advocate for alternatives to confinement, and engage in school-based advocacy.
One case, wide impact
Seeking out systemic reform
Sometimes, policies and practices can do more harm than good. We engage in systemic advocacy that prevents young people from being taken out of their communities and disrupting their positive connections and support systems.
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Challenging policies and practices that undermine rights.
Equitably expand diversion programs
Advocate for procedural protections during investigations.
Advocate for voluntary resources
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Challenge consequences of delinquency on educational rights.
Challenge extended surveillance of youth
Raise awareness of disproportionate harm from delinquency systems for immigrant youth and advance mitigations.
Expand expungement and sealing opportunities
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Root out direct and indirect discrimination on the basis of race, immigration, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability.
Hold decision-makers accountable for discrimination during the investigation, adjudication, and disposition of delinquency offenses.
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Collaborate on efforts to improve the other systems that our delinquency clients interact with, including the Department of Children and Families, educational and immigration systems, and mental health systems of care.
Request Assistance
The Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts assists with counseling before or after a juvenile delinquency case. CLCM does not represent children in juvenile delinquency matters except by court appointment. We cannot offer advice regarding pending juvenile delinquency cases
For more information on our practice, the scope of cases that we can consider, and other ways to get in touch, please visit our Request Assistance page.