The Philadelphia-based Juvenile Law Center, a public interest law firm focused on youth and family issues, is taking applications for its annual juvenile justice and foster care advocacy training program for youths with experience in either or both systems.
The Juveniles for Justice and Youth Fostering Change programs both bring groups of 16- to 22-year-olds together for weekly trainings between October and June. The point is for the group to learn advocacy skills together, and then develop an advocacy campaign.
Participants in both projects are paid $10 per hour during the advocacy training program, usually working up to five hours per week. Though the organization hopes to expand the scope of its applicant pool in the future, the program is based at its headquarters and is available only for Philadelphia-area youths and young adults.
Both of the advocacy programs began in 2008. The group works with two social workers and Juvenile Law Center’s staff to develop a political and policy knowledge base, and then pursue media opportunities to highlight their campaigns.
Past Juveniles for Justice campaign issues include: Expunging juvenile records, effective case planning, and improving educational outcomes.
Previous Youth Fostering Change campaigns include: Access to college, preventing homelessness, and empowering youth in court.
This is the final week to express initial interest in the two programs; the deadline is Friday, Aug. 31. Click here for information on the programs and the application process.
Note: This article was corrected to reflect that participants are paid $10 per hour during the advocacy program, not $10 per week.