POSTPONED: Youth Justice & Opportunities Act Campaign Kickoff

Events

Youth Justice

May 4, 2022

UPDATE: This event has been postponed due to inclement weather. Stay tuned for more information about the new date!

The Youth Justice & Opportunities Act aims to protect young people from harsh prison sentences and the life-long barriers to employment, education, and stable housing created by a criminal conviction.

Join us 11AM-4PM on May 7th at Lincoln Terrace Basketball Courts (1100 E New York Ave - Brooklyn, NY 11212) for a rally, basketball games, and open mic performances in celebration of the Youth Justice & Opportunities Act Campaign Kickoff!

Learn more about the Youth Justice & Opportunities Act here.

Latest News

New York City Public Defenders’ Joint Statement on Lawsuits Filed Against the Department of Correction Alleging Sexual Abuse on Rikers Island
The Bronx Defenders, Brooklyn Defender Services, The Legal Aid Society, the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, New York County Defender Services, and Queens Defenders released a joint statement in response to reporting in Gothamist concerning 719 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse in New York City jails under the Adult Survivors Act:
Press Releases
March 26, 2024
Family Court in Crisis: Attorneys For Children Say More Funding Required
Attorneys Call on Albany to Address Years of Underfunding and Crushing Workloads for Attorneys Serving Children Throughout New York State
Press Releases
Early Defense for Parents Facing ACS Investigations
March 21, 2024
Legal Services Organizations Call on Lawmakers to Reject Sweep of $234 Million of Public Defense Funding
The Chief Defenders Association of New York and more than 70 public defense and legal services organizations statewide sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Heastie urging they reject a proposed sweep of $234 million from the Indigent Legal Services Fund (“ILSF”) and appropriate adequate funding for public defense in the FY25 Executive Budget.
Press Releases
March 21, 2024
Civil Rights Groups, Advocacy Organizations, and NYC Officials Send Letter to Gov. Hochul Condemning Deployment of National Guard and State Police into NYC Subway System
The Legal Defense Fund (LDF), advocacy organizations, and a number of New York City elected officials sent a letter to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, condemning her five-point plan that includes the deployment of National Guard and state law enforcement personnel to conduct searches in New York City subway stations, legislation expanding judicial discretion to ban New Yorkers from public transit, and expansion of co-responder models that utilize New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers as part of a mental health crisis response team.
Letters & Testimonies
Surveillance and Civil Rights
March 14, 2024
Save the Date! Our 2024 Family Defense Benefit
Mark your calendar and join us for an inspirational evening at our 2024 Family Defense Benefit. We look forward to celebrating with you on June 10th! Ticket info coming soon.
Events
Early Defense for Parents Facing ACS Investigations
March 14, 2024
Testimony: Oversight Hearing on DSS Manipulation of Monthly Eligibility Rate Reporting
Alexandra Dougherty, Senior Staff Attorney and Policy Counsel of the Civil Justice Practice at Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) testified before an Oversight Hearing on DSS Manipulation of Monthly Eligibility Rate Reporting and Int 0210-2024 held by the New York City Council Committee on General Welfare.
Letters & Testimonies
March 4, 2024
Testimony: Examining NYPD Investigative Procedures and Safeguards Relating to Wrongful Convictions
Jackie Gosdigian, Supervising Policy Counsel at Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) testified before an Oversight Hearing on Examining NYPD Investigative Procedures and Safeguards Relating to Wrongful Convictions held by the New York City Council's Committee on Public Safety.
Letters & Testimonies
Police Accountability
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NYC Public Defenders Respond to Mayor Adams’ Call to Modify NYC’s Detainer Law Which Would Allow Local Law Enforcement to Transfer New Yorkers 'Suspected’ of Crimes to ICE
The Legal Aid Society, Brooklyn Defender Services, The Bronx Defenders, New York County Defender Services, Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem and Queens Defenders issued a joint statement in response to Mayor Eric Adams’ call this afternoon to modify New York City’s detainer law to allow local law enforcement to transfer anyone “suspected of committing serious crimes” to U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE).
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Immigration Raids & Detention
February 27, 2024
NY Daily News: Black parents in N.Y. need to know their rights
"We are proud to be part of the movement of advocates, impacted parents, and legal and social work professionals advocating for the passage of the Family Miranda Rights Act, which would require ACS caseworkers to inform parents of their existing rights — both verbally and in writing — at the start of every investigation. This includes the right to know what parents are being accused of, the right to deny entry into their home without a warrant, and the right to speak with an attorney."
In The News
Early Defense for Parents Facing ACS Investigations
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The New York Immigrant Family Unity Project Condemns Attacks on NYC’s Sanctuary and Detainer Laws
The Bronx Defenders, Brooklyn Defender Services, and The Legal Aid Society - New York City’s defender organizations providing free legal representation to detained immigrants through the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) - issued a statement in response to calls from lawmakers to erode New York City’s sanctuary and detainer laws.
Press Releases
Immigration Raids & Detention
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