The TBA continues to share resources across communication platforms to help educate Tennessee lawyers about the state's system of indigent representation, which plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals' right to counsel is provided for. This article highlights the resources that are available for those who represent juveniles in the court system.

Jan. 31, 2025

All lawyers working in the juvenile justice system have a role that is both crucial and challenging, balancing high caseloads, limited resources and systemic issues, while working with children and their families. These lawyers benefit from specialized resources and advocacy, including working with multidisciplinary groups all dedicated to the juvenile justice system.

Last week's primer item provided an overview of some national groups that focus on support for attorneys that represent children, guardians ad litem, and other professionals working to ensure that children's best interests are represented. While many of the organizations mentioned below are focused on providing effective legal counsel for young people accused of wrongdoing, there are also resources from the Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention, court systems and district attorneys. Some national groups provide direct support, education and resources designed for lawyers and other professionals working in the juvenile justice system, while other groups deliver research and advocacy expertise geared toward criminal justice reform and broader systemic impact.

Learn More:

• National Center for Juvenile Justice (NCJJ): As the research division of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the center provides research and technical assistance in support of effective justice for children and families.
• The Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ): Works to prevent children and youth from becoming involved in the juvenile and criminal justice systems through evidence-informed policies and practices in delinquency reduction and prevention. The coalition brings together policymakers and national, state and local advocates and organizations to pursue a common mission.
• Juvenile Law Center (JLC): As one of the oldest public interest law firms dedicated to the rights of children in the U.S., JLC is an advocacy organization that pursues multiple approaches including legal and policy advocacy and strategic communications.
• The Gault Center (formerly the National Juvenile Defender Center): Works toward justice for all children, recognizing that youth defenders play a critical role in the fair administration of justice for children. The center has multiple programs, including fellowships and legal internships.
• The Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY): Utilizes a multipronged approach to reform, focused on abolishing extreme sentences for children including life without parole.

In addition to those mentioned above and previously, many national organizations in related areas have a focus area on juvenile justice. These include the National Legal Aid & Defenders Association (NLADA), the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA).

Get Involved

The TBA is looking for your input! Share your questions or topics that you would like to hear about in this series. There are several ways to connect with TBA to share your questions or experiences with indigent representation. Attorneys interested in learning more about TBA's grassroots advocacy efforts can sign up for TBA Grassroots Advocacy Updates, which will highlight related policy content across all of TBA's communication platforms. Attorneys with experience working with clients who are indigent or vulnerable, should complete this survey, which includes specific questions about court appointed representation. Looking for more information? Check out our Indigent Representation Resource page.

This information is offered as a service to the public and the legal community. Statements or opinions expressed by any of the companies or organizations cited do not necessarily reflect those of the Tennessee Bar Association, its officers, board or staff. The TBA does not directly or impliedly endorse, support or vouch for the authenticity of any representations made.