Juvenile Law Center is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit public interest law firm that uses litigation, policy advocacy, research, and training to advance the rights and well‑being of children and youth—especially those affected by the juvenile justice and child welfare systems—working to reduce youth incarceration, eliminate racial disparities, expand access to counsel and developmentally appropriate services, and influence state and federal policy.
Juvenile justice reform (reducing youth incarceration, ending harsh sentencing for children), access to counsel and due process for young people, child welfare reform, school discipline and education equity, racial and disability equity in child‑serving systems, reentry and community‑based alternatives to confinement, protections for LGBTQ+ youth.
Primarily funded through foundation grants and philanthropic contributions, supplemented by individual donations, government grants and contracts, and revenue from training and technical assistance.
Works with national and state civil rights and child advocacy organizations and law school clinical programs; typical partners include the ACLU and its state affiliates, the National Juvenile Defender Center, children's advocacy organizations, state public defender offices, and university legal clinics.
Non-profit public interest law firm
