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Recognizing and Honoring Juvenile Law Center on its 50th Anniversary.
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WHEREAS, Juvenile Law Center, founded in 1975 by four Temple Law School graduates, was established as the first nonprofit, public interest law firm for children in the United States, and has since grown into a national advocacy organization dedicated to fighting for the rights, dignity, equity, and opportunity for youth; and
WHEREAS, For five decades, Juvenile Law Center has worked tirelessly to reduce the harm caused by the child welfare and justice systems, limit their reach, and advocate for their ultimate abolition, all while striving to create an anti-racist world that treats children with dignity and as children, allows them to thrive within their families and communities; and
WHEREAS, The organization has developed an innovative and comprehensive approach to advocacy, combining legal advocacy, policy advocacy, youth-led initiatives, and strategic communications to address systemic failures and bring about lasting and transformative change; and
WHEREAS, Juvenile Law Center’s groundbreaking work has led to several landmark Supreme Court decisions that have shaped juvenile justice in the United States, including:
• Roper v. Simmons (2005), abolishing the death penalty for youth;
• Graham v. Florida (2010), banning juvenile life without parole sentences in non-homicide cases;
• J.D.B. v. North Carolina (2011), recognizing age as a relevant factor in Miranda custody determinations;
• Miller v. Alabama (2012), ending mandatory juvenile life without parole sentences in homicide cases; and
• Montgomery v. Louisiana (2015), applying the Miller decision retroactively; and
WHEREAS, Juvenile Law Center’s role in exposing and addressing the Luzerne County “kids-for-cash” scandal brought national and international attention to judicial corruption and the exploitation of youth, demonstrating the organization’s unwavering commitment to justice; and
WHEREAS, The organization’s impact extends beyond the courtroom, as it has championed numerous initiatives to advance racial and economic equity, protect youth from solitary confinement, abolish juvenile sex offender registries, prevent youth homelessness, and ensure successful transitions for youth aging out of foster care, among other critical issues; and
WHEREAS, Juvenile Law Center has fostered global collaboration by sharing expertise with professionals and organizations in countries such as Japan, Ireland, China, and South Africa, thus contributing to the development of legal systems that protect youth worldwide; and
WHEREAS, The organization’s Youth Advocacy Program has empowered youth to become effective advocates and central to shaping policies that directly impact their lives; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 50 years, Juvenile Law Center’s work has positively impacted the lives of countless youth and their families, ensuring that laws, policies, and practices advance equity, reflect children’s developmental needs, and uphold international human rights values; and
WHEREAS, As Juvenile Law Center celebrates its 50th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of hope and a leader in the fight for youth rights, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society are protected and given the opportunity to thrive; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes and honors Juvenile Law Center on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, commends its outstanding contributions to justice and equity for youth, and expresses gratitude for its unwavering dedication to creating a brighter future for children and families nationwide.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Juvenile Law Center as an expression of our admiration and support for their continued efforts to ensure rights, dignity, equity, and opportunity for all youth.
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