Nebraska Youth Advocates (NYA), led by Director Christine Henningsen, J.D., serves as a resource center to support policy and practice initiatives that advance juvenile justice reform to advance positive youth development and safer communities. Project goals encompass increasing juvenile defense skills, enhancing the attorney-client relationship, and amplifying youth voice within the system. Project activities include offering training to juvenile defense attorneys, technical assistance, legislative advocacy, and resource development. The resources made available to Nebraska attorneys and programs help to create a network of specialized juvenile defense attorneys across the state. The center also delivers specific research and technical assistance to policymakers and system stakeholders that is data-informed and evidence-based. NYA works collaboratively to improve system practices and outcomes for youth and families involved in the juvenile justice system.
