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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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Over the years, YAP has created several initiatives and partnered with
different community organizations in efforts to increase advocacy for
indigent youth. MORE |
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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.
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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.
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Support juvenile justice and your local community by making a
tax-deductible donation to the Youth Advocacy Project.
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