By TIMBERLY ROSS / The Associated Press
OMAHA — More oversight is needed for juvenile defense attorneys and representatives appointed to help children navigate Nebraska’s court system, according to two reports commissioned by state lawmakers.
The reports studied the effectiveness of Nebraska’s juvenile justice system, particularly defense attorneys and guardians ad litem — attorneys appointed to advocate for a juvenile victim or state ward in court.
“The system as it is currently structured perpetuates a particularly cruel fraud on all citizens of Nebraska: It makes it looks like there is a voice for Nebraska’s children in the court process, but in fact, that voice is mute,” says the report from the National Association of Counsel for Children, a Colorado-based advocacy group.
The other report comes from the National Juvenile Defender Center, based in Washington. Both organizations say there is no accountability for defense attorneys and guardians ad litem, and these professionals face high caseloads and inadequate resources, both of which contribute to their inconsistent performance.
Among the recommendations is the creation of an independent commission to monitor the juvenile justice system and ensure children’s needs there are being met. The reports also say there should be clearer requirements and better training for defense attorneys and guardians ad litem.
Sen. Brad Ashford of Omaha, chairman of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, said the juvenile justice system is not working and reforming it is his top priority this legislative session.
“We’re past commissions. We’re past studies,” he said Wednesday. “This is a clarion call to action. Things are going to have to change.”
Ashford said he’s not sure what the solution is, but said attorneys and guardians must be trained to handle the rigors of juvenile cases and be committed to helping children. He’s drafting several reform bills, including one specifically addressing juvenile defense attorneys and guardians ad litem. A reform bill could be introduced as early as Friday.
The Judiciary Committee was to discuss the reports Thursday.
