YAD’s Training Unit designs, develops, and delivers training programs and materials to both CPCS YAD staff as well as the private bar advocates who represent indigent youth in delinquency, youthful offender, and revocation cases throughout Massachusetts. The YAD Training Unit is part of the CPCS Training Department.
The mission of YAD training is to ensure that youth receive zealous advocacy from well supported defense lawyers who have an intimate knowledge of cutting edge juvenile law, the juvenile court system, adolescent development, and who incorporate a Youth Development Approach in their representation, resulting in both legal and life success for our juvenile clients.
Private attorneys wishing to practice in juvenile court must apply to their bar advocate program, take the MCLE Bar Advocate Certification course and contact the YAD Trial Panel. One accepted to take cases in juvenile court there are additional training requirement to maintain YAD certification. (link to trial panel)
YAD’s training unit also provides continuing support to youth defenders. Our training unit maintains an expert database, as well as a listserv where juvenile defenders can pose questions and share information. Additionally YAD Training has published many legal outlines and courtroom practice guides to support the practice in juvenile court.
For advice or to access our listserv, please contact Melanie Roberts.
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