Youth Defense is a specialized practice requiring specialized skill, and our goal is to help ensure all juveniles in Wisconsin receive competent and skilled representation.
The Youth Defense Practice Group developed these Core Principles of Youth Defense Practice. These principles set forth a statewide vision for juvenile defense counsel’s role throughout the duration of the juvenile court process that integrates and is consistent with state and Constitutional law, the code of professional responsibility, and the science of adolescent development.
In addition to creating and disseminating these principles, the Youth Defense practice coordinator is always available to provide advice and consultation to inquiries from SPD staff members and private bar attorneys taking juvenile cases. We work hard to remain current on all legal developments in juvenile practice and identify areas where training opportunities would be beneficial. We are here to develop and maintain resources related to juvenile cases, and are connected to other juvenile system entities and stakeholders who help us to identify areas where we may improve our juvenile justice system and better serve our juvenile clients.
Youth Defense Practice Coordinator
Eileen Fredericks | [email protected]
Eileen previously worked in the SPD’s Milwaukee Youth & Mental Health and Kenosha offices. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame in May 2001, earning a B.A. in Government with a concentration in Public Policy. She went to the University of Wisconsin Law School hoping to become a lawyer for children and teens. While attending law school, Eileen also earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work in order to better understand the needs and struggles of many of the people we represent, and to learn how to better assist people in solving and coping with life’s problems. She is thrilled to be doing the work she always wanted to do with so many great people at the SPD.