2025-26 Youth Defender Forums Wrap Up

The Office of the Juvenile Defender presented three regional trainings, called “Youth Defender Forums,” at the end of 2025 and early 2026.  The Youth Defender Forum is geared towards attorneys of all experience levels and attempts to reach defenders close to home to provide an opportunity for learning and building community.  Locations included Wilkesboro and Greenville, with the Greensboro training converted to a virtual training due to weather.  Each training provided the same topics around “Effective Communication and Advocacy for Youth,” featuring presentations from juvenile/youth defenders but also stakeholders from across the youth justice court spectrum, including judges, representatives the Guardian ad Litem program, and current and former prosecutors. We appreciate everyone who attended and look forward to more Youth Defender Forums in the near future!