Improvements In Juvenile Defense Recognized By National Network

July 15, 2021

The Louisiana Public Defender Board (LPDB) is making significant advances in the delivery of juvenile defense services in Louisiana. Deputy Defender-Director of Juvenile Defender Services Clay Walker, along with Juvenile Justice Compliance Officer Kristy Boxberger and JIDAN Coordinator Lynette Roberson, form the Juvenile Division at LPDB. They comprise the first juvenile-dedicated staff in Louisiana"s state-level public defender agency.

As a result of their efforts to provide resources, training and community support for juvenile defenders in Louisiana, Clay Walker was awarded a 2021 Award for Leadership in Juvenile Justice from the National Juvenile Justice Network. The National Juvenile Justice Network held their annual awards event from 5:00-7:00 on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at the Ritz-Carlton Audubon Room at 921 Canal Street in New Orleans. This award reflects progress on Louisiana"s commitment to becoming a leader in the juvenile justice movement, and emphasizes how critical public defenders are in this effort.