Maine: An Assessment of Access to Counsel and Quality of Representation in Delinquency Proceedings (2003)

This study reveals that Maine’s juvenile justice system depends upon the perseverance of dedicated, but under-resourced advocates who rely on luck in locating and providing necessary services for the youth they represent. Maine cannot meet the promise of rehabilitation set forth in its juvenile code, nor can Maine guarantee the highest quality juvenile defense system without the state committing the necessary resources to truly partner with defenders to provide youth these necessary social, educational and mental health services. The editors of this report hope that it will spark further dialogue about needed improvements in the juvenile defender delivery system in the state of Maine and be used as a roadmap for fulfilling the promise of justice for all children and youth of this state.