This funding provides general operating support for Juvenile Law Center (JLC), the first nonprofit, public interest law firm for children in the United States. JLC’s mission is to advocate for rights, dignity and opportunity for youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. As part of its work, JLC partnered with researchers to integrate adolescent brain development science into its advocacy efforts. This argument is today one of the strongest and most influential in advocating for youth justice system and policy reform. Similarly, JLC works to ensure that laws and policies advance racial and economic equity, are rooted in research, are consistent with children’s unique developmental traits and reflect international human rights values. To do so, it uses impact litigation, appellate advocacy and amicus briefs, policy reform, education and training, professional consulting, youth advocacy programming and strategic communications.
