Youth Represent

Youth Represent is dedicated to offering vital legal assistance for young individuals entangled in the justice system who lack the financial means to hire an attorney. Although the law guarantees legal representation in criminal court, countless low-income residents of New York struggle to navigate intricate legal processes alone due to various repercussions that even minor offenses can lead to—like losing access to education loans, employment opportunities, or stable housing. Our strategy encompasses three key elements: collaborating with social service organizations throughout New York; delivering direct advocacy for youth; and pushing for legislative reforms that facilitate smoother reintegration into society for those affected by court involvement. Each year, numerous adolescents pass through our city’s judicial system where new unintended consequences can emerge at every turn. Errors in arrest records may linger on a young person's record indefinitely, while failing appearances related only to minor infractions can escalate into warrants. Furthermore, either misdemeanor or felony charges may hinder a youth’s chances of landing a job or securing housing—issues compounded over time without intervention. As the sole organization in New York addressing all these challenges comprehensively within local communities where our clients reside and work diligently towards success against formidable barriers—including poverty and stigma—we commit ourselves deeply through persistent representation and collaboration with community partners so they are empowered beyond their past injustices rather than defined by them.