DC Lawyers for Youth has actively engaged in local community events, including various forums, panels, symposia and local government meetings to discuss issues that affect children in the District and the juvenile justice system. In recent years, DC Lawyers for Youth has:

• Moderated a panel at and participated in the Intersection of Juvenile Justice and Poverty Symposium panel, sponsored by the Georgetown Journal on Poverty Law and Policy, the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy, the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform at Georgetown University, and the Georgetown Law Center Juvenile Justice Clinic. (March 26, 2009)
• Co-sponsored 40 Years After In re Gault: The Role of Juvenile Defense Counsel and Obstacles to Zealous Advocacy in D.C. The event focused on the role of counsel for accused juveniles, with an emphasis on the Constitutional and ethical obligations of the child’s attorney, and the obstacles to zealous and effective advocacy for indigent defendants in the District of Columbia. (April 15, 2008)
• Presented at and participated in 2008, 2009 and 2010 D.C. Bar Association Youth Law Fair, a full-day educational event focused on bringing students, lawyers, judges, and educators together to explore issues facing students in the D.C. area.
• Participated in Juvenile Justice Roundtable, sponsored by Campaign for Youth Justice and Justice for DC Youth, where approximately 50 community leaders and youth to explore next steps for reforming DC’s juvenile justice system. (November 4, 2009)
• Contributed to the Adultification/Transfer Working Group, a group of advocates exploring issues surrounding judicial discretion on whether youth should be tried as adults. Here is an example of some of our work in this area:

• Presented before D.C. Family Court judicial officers monthly meeting. (April 15, 2008)
• Spoke regarding juvenile justice issues before over 75 volunteers with the City Year Youth Service Corps in Washington, D.C. (February 15, 2008)
• Participated in Juvenile Crime Task Force public roundtable discussion led by Councilmember Wells focusing on a proposal that would declare parents negligent if their children are not home after 10 p.m. (July 3, 2007)
• Testified at various City Council hearings, town hall meetings and local forums relating to juvenile justice issues including:
  • Department of Youth Services Oversight Hearing (April 19, 2010)
  • Department of Corrections Oversight Hearing (October 29, 2007)
  • Department of Youth Services Oversight Hearing (December 4, 2007)