Youth Defense Practice Group

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.

• The Collateral Consequences of Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings Guide for Juvenile Court Professionals was designed to inform juvenile court system actors about the diverse consequences of delinquency adjudications. The 12- chapter guide breaks down collateral consequences for youth in Wisconsin, related to access to records; consequences for education; professional licensing; employment; consequences for housing; consequences for other public benefits; other financial impacts on youth and families; licenses, firearms, body armor, voting, and jury service; consequences of sex offender registration requirement; consequences in other courts; immigration consequences; and consequences for a youth’s future family life.

• This Checklist for Youth Justice Defense Counsel provides the minimum basics to consider when engaging in youth advocacy. Each case has its own unique issues and challenges. This is meant to be a guide. Every item on the checklist is an important consideration for youth defenders. Items tend to appear in logical progression. However, attorneys need to consider the checklist in a way that aligns best with their practice and the needs of their client.

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.