Pennsylvania Juvenile Defenders

Website made possible with the generous support of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Northeast Regional Defender Center

In order to increase the capacity of the grassroots juvenile defense bar across the country, the National Center incorporated into its design the development of nine Regional Defender Centers. The Northeast Region includes the following four states: Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Helpful Links

Juvenile Law Center
National Juvenile Defender Center
The Juvenile Act of PA

State and Local Defender Sites

Defending LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning) Youth

“LGBTQ youth may be the most disenfranchised, isolated and complex juvenile clients that you as defense attorneys, will represent … . Frequently abandoned by their family and their community, these teens are often scared, confused, depressed, alienated and defiant … . The defense attorney may be their sole advocate, visitor, ‘friendly ear,’ and even, lifeline.”
- Marynella Woods, LCSW in 10 Tips: Working with LGBTQ Youth

Dealing with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Youth in the Juvenile Justice System by David Romano, Esq., Assistant PD, Lancaster County.

The Model Standards Project: Defending LGBTQ Youth, Legal Services for Children, Inc., and National Center for Lesbian Rights