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Youth Advocacy
The Youth Advocacy Unit employs attorneys in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas to ensure effective representation of juveniles. Attorneys in the unit also litigate certification proceedings and jury trials in the adult court system, if the child is certified to stand trial as an adult.
The Youth Advocacy Unit was created in 1997 in response to a new trend in juvenile legislation putting more emphasis on punishment than on rehabilitation. To more effectively implement the United States Supreme Court ruling that juveniles are entitled to all constitutional protections, the Missouri State Public Defender System created a Youth Advocacy Unit.
The unit employs a mix of new and experienced attorneys as well as interns. In addition to the training available to all attorneys in the Trial Division, attorneys in the Youth Advocacy Units also participate in a variety of national training opportunities that specifically address the special issues involved in juvenile defense.
The unit also employs investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the criminal charge. Staff disposition specialists conduct social investigations and locate available resources to help the client with treatment needs. They have masters degrees in social work and counseling and act as experts for court, testifying about treatment needs and alternatives on behalf of our clients.