Recent news

Ten years ago, in Anderson v. Houston, Juvenile Law Center and the ACLU sued the Pennsylvania state child welfare agency for discriminating against relatives who sought to become foster parents. Since Anderson, federal law has radically shifted, but too many youth still age out of foster care without finding family.

The United States Supreme Court granted review in Montgomery v. Louisiana, addressing the question of whether Miller v. Alabama (2012) applies retroactively to individuals serving mandatory juvenile life without parole sentences.

In a series of important rulings today, the Florida Supreme Court recognized the importance of ensuring that juveniles receive constitutionally appropriate sentences that reflect their capacity for rehabilitation. Juvenile Law Center filed amicus briefs in these cases.

Juvenile Law Center was part of a national team to collaborate on drafting the first-ever trial defense guidelines for children facing life sentences. Released on March 11, the guidelines create a new national standard for ensuring zealous, effective representation for children.