Welcome
The Maricopa County Office of the Public Advocate protects the fundamental rights of juveniles, parents and adults facing court evaluation and court ordered mental health treatment by providing effective legal representation for indigent people facing delinquency petitions (criminal charges for minors) dependency/severance proceedings (loss of parental rights) and court evaluation and court ordered mental health treatment, when appointed by the Maricopa County Superior Court. The Office provides legal representation for individuals who are not able to afford the services of private lawyers.
Our History
The Office of the Juvenile Public Defender, now called the Public Advocate, was created on July 1, 2008. Prior to the creation of the office, the office was a division of the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office. The office is comprised of 40 attorneys and 22 support staff including Investigators, Mitigation Specialists, Legal Secretaries, Law Clerks, and Initial Services Specialists. The attorneys and support staff are dedicated to the representation of youth and parents involved in the juvenile justice system and person’s facing court ordered treatment.
Our Motto
Safeguarding the Rights of Citizens in Juvenile and Mental Health Court
Quick Links
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Public Speaking
The Maricopa County Office of the Public Advocate is dedicated to providing citizens of Maricopa County information regading individual rights, crimes, Mental Health, Dependency, and the Juvenile Court process. The office is happy to provide speakers for school, community, and social events. Please contact our office at 602-372-9550 if you would like to request a speaker.
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In-House Training
The Office of the Public Advocate offers numerous free in-house CLE training for practitioners and their staff. The in-house training focuses on delinquency, dependency, and mental health issues. The trainings occur monthly and are usually one hour, beginning at noon at the Mesa and Durango Juvenile Offices. The trainings are open to any interested person. Please contact
Ms. Neill if you are interested in attending up-coming training or would like to give a presentation involving children or mental health issues or services.
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