The Gault Center, formerly the National Juvenile Defender Center or NJDC,[2] is a nonprofit organization located in the United States that advocates for juvenile justice reform.[3] NJDC changed names to The Gault Center in 2022.[2]

The Gault Center
AbbreviationNJDC
FounderPatricia Puritz[1]
TypeNonprofit
Focus
Headquarters1350 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 304
Location
  • Philip Inglima
  • Hank Stewart
  • Kenneth Schmetterer
  • Mariela Romero
  • Dr. Antoinette Kavanaugh
  • Randy Hertz
  • Anastacia Johnson
  • Patti Lee
  • Michael Pinard
  • Jim St. Germain
Websitewww.defendyouthrights.org
Formerly called
National Juvenile Defender Center

History edit

The American Bar Association Juvenile Justice Center eventually grew into the National Juvenile Defender Center. In 2005, Patricia Puritz founded NJDC as a standalone organization.[4][5][6] In May 2015, Kim Dvorchak succeeded Puritz as the executive director of NJDC.[6]

NJDC has advocated against the shackling of juveniles during court appearances[7][8] and provides training for attorneys working with juveniles.[9]

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the NJDC argued for the release of detained juveniles for safety reasons.[10][11]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Moore, Linda A. (July 31, 2018). "Shelby County Chief Public Defender Stephen Bush will step down". Commercial Appeal. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  2. ^ a b "History – The Gault Center". Retrieved 2022-12-06.
  3. ^ Cipriano, Andrea (March 21, 2021). "Youth Justice System Worsened During Pandemic". The Crime Report. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  4. ^ "Patricia Puritz". Colorado Bar. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  5. ^ Kelly, John (May 12, 2015). "Retirement Bug Hits Youth Advocacy". The Imprint. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  6. ^ a b "Kim Dvorchak named to head National Juvenile Defender Center". Youth Transition Funders Group. May 23, 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  7. ^ "Shackling Juveniles: Despite 2009 Court Decision, Practice Continues Away From Courtroom". Flagler Live. March 1, 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  8. ^ Cohen, Jodi (July 29, 2021). "Michigan Supreme Court limits use of restraints on juveniles". Detroit Metro Times. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  9. ^ Buduson, Sarah (October 8, 2020). "Two teen brothers refused to see their dad. An Ohio judge locked them up during a pandemic". News 5 Cleveland. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  10. ^ Kingkade, Tyler (March 20, 2020). "Coronavirus in juvenile detention is a 'nightmare scenario,' doctors and advocates say". NBC News. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  11. ^ "School-to-Prison Pipeline Still Functions During Pandemic, Advocates Warn". Crime Report. October 30, 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2021.