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An “Ombudsperson” can be defined as someone who acts on behalf of another as a “protector against oppressive
measures by the government.” Today, “ombudsperson” has taken on a broader ‘public watchdog’ or ‘citizen
defender’ meaning.

The following testimony was written and will be read by Juvenile Law Center's Youth Fostering Change and Juveniles for Justice Youth Advocates on April 8th at a virtual hearing on the need for a Philadelphia independent youth ombudsperson.

The following testimony was written and will be read by Juvenile Law Center's Youth Fostering Change and Juveniles for Justice Youth Advocates on April 8th at

Across the country, our municipal court system is targeting kids for behaving like kids. Young people are policed, ticketed, and fined for age-appropriate behavior such as violating curfews, loitering, and underage drinking. These violations can push young people into the justice system and send their families spiraling into debt.

Before we kick the door closed on 2020, there were lessons learned and wisdom shared to carry into the new year as resolutions for 2021. In November and December, Juvenile Law Center hosted a series of five 45-minute conversations in commemoration of our 45th Anniversary.

The next meeting of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice Task Force is scheduled for November 20, 2020 from 1-3 p.m.

I am a survivor of sexual violence. I worked as an advocate for survivors of sexual and domestic violence for five years. I sat with survivors as they recounted some of the worst moments of their lives, underwent invasive evidence collection, and wrestled with the decision of whether to make a police report.

Juvenile Law Center collaborated with over 20 national advocacy organizations to write A Way In For Young People Transitioning from Foster Care, a memo to the Biden Transition Team recommending six immediate actions the incoming administration can take to respond to the needs of transition age youth with experience in foster care.

The child welfare system is expansive - sometimes overbearing - and uniquely complex in the outcomes it can deliver. Equally as complex are the young people that enter and exit, and the lives they choose to lead. Many of us take on roles to improve the lives of other vulnerable populations, whether they are in the child welfare system or not.