Open City Advocates

Systemic reform based on the knowledge we gain from our direct client services, open city advocates spearheads systemic reform efforts to end the revolving door of the juvenile and criminal justice systems, safeguard and expand due process protections, and encourage individualized, trauma responsive, culturally appropriate services for court involved youth. Our primary focus is to ensure that no child must confront this complex bureaucratic system in which their liberty is constantly at risk without the support of legal counsel.

The gault center, in collaboration with oca and njdc, works to enhance post-disposition legal representation for youth in delinquency matters nationwide. This involves researching and documenting promising practices, visiting jurisdictions to support their efforts, and publishing materials to promote the benefits of such representation.