Through our Southwest Juvenile Defender Center (SWJDC) program, we bring together juvenile defenders, mental health professionals, educators, legislators and other child advocates to represent, defend and advocate for children in all aspects of their lives. We work to ensure that all children get quality representation in schools, delinquency centers, dependency situations and in the immigration system.
We provide training to defenders and other professionals to help them effectively represent children. We educate law students and the general public on the legal system's role in protecting the rights of children. We host an annual Juvenile Defenders Conference and provide handbooks and training to educate attorneys and other advocates about children's issues.
In collaboration with other community organizations, we research, support and develop models and programs that foster supportive environments for children and encourage the use of alternative programs to reduce juvenile delinquency and improve the lives of children in all aspects of the legal system.