NC Office of the Juvenile Defender

08/31/2026

Join us on Friday, September 11, 2026, for our next virtual training! Join Associate Counsel Reginald O’Rourke and Appellate Counsel Matthew Wunsche from the NC Guardian Ad Litem Program for an informative discussion about the intersection of youth involved in North Carolina's juvenile courts. They will explore the connections between these two court systems, provide overviews of significant legal changes, and discuss strategies for defenders to collaborate effectively with Guardian Ad Litem representatives for youth. Join us for a helpful session on how to advocate for youth who are in both delinquency and A/N/D courts. This session has been approved for 1 hour of general CLE credit.


Registration Link:

https://nccourts.webex.com/weblink/register/re9a26cba4e0a70fa9ebfe82a92326a74

08/21/2026

Registration is now open for our Western Youth Defender Forum in Rutherford County!

Join us for our 2026 Western Youth Defender Forum! Our regional forums are in person, day long trainings in your region. The training courses are identical in content and will have the same agenda, but will feature speakers and presenters from the specific region. Defenders are welcome to go to any....

08/17/2026

Check out OJD's next virtual training on crossover youth!

Join Associate Counsel Reginald O’Rourke and Appellate Counsel Matthew Wunsche from the NC Guardian Ad Litem Program for an informative discussion about the intersection of youth involved in North Carolina’s juvenile courts (Juvenile Delinquency and Abuse/Neglect/Dependency). They will explore t...

08/13/2026

https://www.ncjuveniledefender.org/obtaining-djj-and-court-records-for-your-client/

Obtaining records for youthful clients can be challenging.  If your client has already participated in intake with Department of Juvenile Justice, your client and parent can ask to amend releases signed for DJJ to include your name and contact information.  This can make the process of obtaining D...

08/12/2026

https://www.nccourts.gov/news/tag/press-release/chief-justice-newby-presents-mary-pollard-with-friend-of-the-court-award

Pollard received the award after more than three decades of legal service, including six years as IDS executive director.