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Reflecting on 2024

Writer's picture: Nani SuarezNani Suarez


We hope you all had an amazing Christmas! As 2024 comes to an end, the Office of the Juvenile Defender would like to reflect on a year marked by important changes, collaboration, and continued dedication to supporting youth defenders advocate for the rights and future of North Carolina’s youth involved in the justice system.  


This year, we worked to continue to provide support promoting the most important advocacy tips that will help local youth defenders make the voices of young people heard and their rights upheld in every courtroom across the state.  


Among our efforts: 


  • We followed critical legislative updates, including the changes of Raise the Age, its impact, and alternatives to detention. 

  • We provided defenders with updated resources and tools to navigate new policies and laws impacting youth. 

  • Hosted a variety of virtual and in-person CLE trainings including topics such as: mental health, representing LGBTQ+ youth, Immigration law, sex offender registry issues, collateral consequences, and many others. 

  • Kept youth defenders informed by posting our blogs throughout the year. 

  • Continued to work on a plan to increase community engagement and expand our resource library next year to ensure defenders have access to the latest legal research, case law, and best practices.  

  • Court observation visits.

  • First-degree murder appointment project process.


This year also marked the 20th anniversary of the assessment that led to the creation of our office. While looking ahead, it’s important to recognize our opportunities but also reflect on challenges we continue to face, which are: 


  1. Ensuring youth defenders constant access to resources to foster a capable number of legal representations for all youth across North Carolina. 

  2. Addressing the disproportionate impact of the juvenile justice system on youth of color and other marginalized communities. 

  3. Offering public defenders a sense of community and on-going support with new communication efforts.  

  4. The battle against the idea of current legal repercussions having more benefits for our youth versus rethinking possible alternatives that will prevent recidivism.  


Although we’d love to celebrate this milestone by only reflecting on the progress we’ve made, we want to continue to recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight of elevating juvenile justice representation in North Carolina. We want approach these challenges with renewed determination and look forward to continuing our work with defenders, advocates, and stakeholders to build a brighter future for North Carolina’s youth. 


As we enter the new year, we are filled with hope and purpose. We look forward to new opportunities to grow, innovate, and advocate for youth. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of North Carolina’s young people.  


Thank you to our local public defenders, policy advocates, and community organizations who have supported and collaborated with us this year. Your dedication inspires us and drives our mission forward. From all of us at the Office of the Juvenile Defender, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous new year. Wishing You a Bright 2025! 


For upcoming trainings, visit:




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PO BOX 2448

Raleigh NC 27602

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