YAD provides legal representation to young people facing delinquency and youthful offender proceedings. YAD's first priority is criminal defense, which it provides using a holistic approach. YAD combines social services with legal services to better represent clients and incorporates contributions from a team including:
- Defense attorneys
- Education attorneys
- Social workers
- Community outreach workers
Legal Representation
The Youth Advocacy Department offers legal representation and advocacy to children under 17 years old who are charged as delinquents or youthful offenders. The Youth Advocacy Department provides these services at a number of stages, including:
Arraignment: If a child has been arrested and must appear in court the next business day, the Youth Advocacy Department can be appointed to represent the child. If the child is being arraigned in Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester, or West Roxbury Juvenile Courts, you may request that the Youth Advocacy Department be appointed to the case, even if we are not present at the time.
Summons to Court: If a child receives notice in the mail that he or she must appear in court on a future date, either for arraignment or a hearing, you may contact the Youth Advocacy Department to arrange for representation prior to appearing in court.
Probation Surrenders: If a child receives notice in the mail that he or she must appear in court on a future date, either for arraignment or a hearing, you may contact the Youth Advocacy Department to arrange for representation prior to appearing in court.
Warrant Removals: If there is a warrant pending for a child, either for arrest or default, you may contact the Youth Advocacy Department for assistance in removing the warrant.
Police Questioning: If a child is wanted for police questioning, either as a potential defendant or witness, you may contact the Youth Advocacy
Department for legal representation or advice.
Consultation
The Youth Advocacy Department can offer advice and consultation on general delinquency issues.
Training
The Youth Advocacy Department can offer training to staff, parents, youth, and community groups. The Youth Advocacy
Department provides training on: laws affecting juveniles, juvenile rights, and the Massachusetts juvenile justice system.
Click here to learn more about our trainings for juvenile defense attorneys.
Click here for more information on our Know the Law trainings.