North Carolina Office of the Juvenile Defender

Providing Training, Technical Assistance, and Policy Guidance

Our Mission

Four commitments that guide training, policy, and support for juvenile defenders in North Carolina.

To provide services and support to juvenile defenders
To evaluate the current system of representation and make recommendations as needed
To elevate the stature of juvenile delinquency representation
To work with other juvenile justice actors to promote positive change in the juvenile justice system

Part of the Office of Indigent Defense Services (IDS)

The Office of Indigent Defense Services (IDS) has a number of responsibilities, including:

Overseeing the provision of legal representation to indigent defendants and others entitled to counsel under North Carolina law
Developing training, qualification, and performance standards to govern the provision of legal services to indigent persons
Determining the most appropriate methods of delivering legal services to indigent persons in each judicial district
Providing affordable services

As part of Indigent Defense Services (IDS), OJD provides Juvenile Defenders Trainings for CLE credit hours, technical assistance, and juvenile defense policy guidance in North Carolina. The attorneys we assist represent juveniles in the North Carolina Court System. Juvenile Court currently serves youth between the ages of 6 and 17 in North Carolina.

Information for Juveniles

You are entitled to have an attorney represent you if you must go to court on an allegation of delinquency in Juvenile Court. The paperwork that you have been given should have the name and contact information for your attorney. It is important that you contact your attorney as soon as possible, before discussing the case with anyone else.

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Information for Parents

Having your child charged with a delinquent offense is stressful—not just for your child but for you as the parent—and we understand the toll it can take on everyday activities.

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