HOME |  PROGRAMS & SERVICES  |  JUVENILE DEFENSE NETWORK  |  EDLAW PROJECT  |  INITIATIVES |  DONATE  |   JOBS  |  ABOUT CONTACT US  

Youth Advocacy Department
Ten Malcolm X Boulevard
Roxbury, MA 02119-1776

Phone: (617) 989-8100
Fax: (617) 541-0904

 What's New

Available: New Community Notebooks, for people working with at-risk and system-involved youth in the Boston area.


 
SEARCH THIS
 WEBSITE

   YAP Quick Links

 For Lawyers

 
For Youth

  For Girls

  For Parents

  Hot Topics

  History

  Jobs & Internships

  Staff Directory

  Make A Gift

  Links

  Site Map

  Contact Us

 

YAD Mission

The mission of YAD is to ensure that every child in Massachusetts has access to zealous legal representation that incorporates a Youth Development Approach resulting in both legal and life success. Accordingly, YAD will lead, train, and support a diverse and collaborative juvenile defense bar across the state. Through individual representation and systemic advocacy, YAD also will partner with community organizations and local agencies to work toward creating safer and healthier communities.

Established by the Committee for Public Counsel Services of Massachusetts, the Youth Advocacy Project (YAP) began in 1992 with a goal of protecting and advancing the legal and human rights of children and promoting their healthy development.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In October 2009 the Youth Advocacy Project (YAP) became the Youth Advocacy Department (YAD)! The Massachusetts public defender agency, the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), enhanced juvenile representation with the formation of YAD. With offices in Roxbury (formerly YAP) and Worcester, YAD leads, trains, and supports the entire Massachusetts juvenile defense bar.  As CPCS Chief Counsel William Leahy stated: "This is an important milestone in the evolution of the Committee for Public Counsel Services.  I am confident that creation of the Youth Advocacy Department, so long envisioned, will elevate the quality of representation."


YAP's programs and services go well beyond representation in the courtroom. With a staff of trial attorneys, education attorneys, social service providers, and psychologists, YAP offers a holistic approach that encourages the development of youth.   MORE

 

The Juvenile Defense Network (JDN) is a Massachusetts based training and support program established to meet the needs of Juvenile Defense Lawyers who represent children in delinquency and youthful offender cases.   MORE

Over the years, YAP has created several initiatives and partnered with different community organizations in efforts to increase advocacy for indigent youth.   MORE

 

The EdLaw Project is an advocacy organization created to ensure equal opportunity in life achievement for Boston youth by enforcing every child's right to a quality education.  MORE

YAP offers a variety of internships for Law School students, Graduate Social Work Students, Undergraduates, and Volunteers. The Youth Advocacy Project is a proud sponsor of several AmeriCorps*VISTA members. MORE
Support juvenile justice and your local community by making a tax-deductible donation to the Youth Advocacy Project.  MORE


 

$

To donate via PayPal:

 

   
Ten Malcolm X Boulevard, Roxbury, MA 02119-1776 • Phone (617) 989-8100 • Fax (617) 541-0904 

2005-2009 Youth Advocacy Department, all rights reserved.