Role of Juvenile Defense Counsel Post-Disposition (2016)

Disposition orders—commonly understood as sentencing—move children deeper into the juvenile court system. For example, some youth might be confined to secure custody or placed on probation. During the “post-disposition” phase, defenders must represent children at all probation and parole review or modification hearings, advise clients of their legal rights, explain their case options and possible consequences, monitor conditions of confinement, and actively pursue their clients’ expressed goals and interests.