JJPL is a charitable 501 (c) 3 organization and all contributions are tax-deductible. In a few short years, JJPL has made great strides in pushing Louisiana toward a more humane juvenile justice system. Because much work remains to be done, JJPL continues to expand in size and scope of our work. This growth is thanks to the support of a few visionary partners who saw early on JJPL’s potential to create real change in an unjust system. As JJPL represents the voices of Louisiana’s incarcerated youth, we pour our energy and resources into serving them directly — 82% of every dollar received goes directly to legal representation, community organizing, public education and advocacy. Private foundations, individual contributors and corporate sponsors form the critical base of our support, rounding out state funding. The following is a list of our past and present foundation partners and other organizations who believe in what we do and make it possible for us to continue fighting to fulfill our mission. If you are interested in more information about our funders, please see the following web pages.
- Active Element Foundation http://www.activelement.org/
- American Bar Association http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/home.html
- BlueCross BlueShield of Louisiana http://www.angelaward.org/2_lccf.asp
- Edna McConnell Clark Foundation http://www.emcf.org/
- Entergy Corporation http://www.entergy.com/Corp/Community/ecf.asp
- Ford Foundation http://www.fordfound.org
- German Orphan Protestant Association (no Web site)
- Greater New Orleans Foundation http://www.gnof.org
- Institute of Mental Hygiene http://www.imhno.org
- JEHT Foundation http://www.jehtfoundation.org/index2.html
- Juvenile Law Center http://www.jlc.org
- Louisiana Indigent Defense Assistance Board http://www.lidab.com
- Open Society Institute of the Soros Foundation http://www.soros.org/initiatives/justice
- Public Welfare Foundation http://www.publicwelfare.org/index.asp
- Russell Development (no Web site)
- Southern Poverty Law Center http://www.splcenter.org
- Two West Foundation (no Web site)
Initially created and viewed as a slide presentation at the 1st Justice for Youth Gala in 2003, this online version provides a brief history of JJPL. The retrospective briefly outlines the challenges, milestones and highlights of the first six years of our work in Louisiana in a year-by-year format.
Internships
It was a great thing to feel trusted and respected enough to be given hard, but doable assignments and not be micro-managed or feel like folks were nervous that I’d muck it all up. I don’t think friends of mine at other organizations got to speak with clients or families half as much as I did. Going frequently to court, taking a strong role in hearings, interviewing kids at the facilities on my own, and even haggling with probation officers and wardens were all great experiences.
--Law school intern, Summer 2000
JJPL is committed to recruiting talented interns interested in working with children in the juvenile justice system. Opportunities exist to engage in all aspects of our work which includes state-wide advocacy as well as direct representation. In the past we have employed interns from law schools, social work masters programs, and undergraduate programs. Because we are a small non-profit organization, we do not have any funding or stipends for interns. They come, and continue to come, because of their own commitment to the work we do and because the experience they gain is invaluable.
Each summer we have a structured program for law student interns. The program includes intensive training followed by closely supervised work with our staff in the areas in which we need the most assistance. In exchange for the tremendous contribution interns they make to our work, we are conscientious about making the experience one which will be life-transforming. Our goal is to motivate young lawyers to become engaged in public interest work while helping them develop the skills that will be essential to representing underrepresented populations. In order to maintain the quality of experience, we limit the number of students who can work with us during the summer so it's best to apply as early as possible.
During the academic school year we have a less structured approach to training interns, but provide the same varied work experience and quality supervision with attention to preparing interns for work in the public interest sector.
In general, we make our hiring decisions about summer interns in early March; it's best to contact us by the end of January if you are interested in being considered for a position. During the rest of the year, we review requests for internships as they are submitted to us. To be considered for an internship, please submit a cover letter, resume and brief writing sample to: info@jjpl.org or through the mail.
Fellowships
JJPL works with individuals who are committed to juvenile justice and have a demonstrated interest in working for change to apply for fellowship funding for special projects related to the work we do. Please contact us if you would like to discuss applying for a fellowship with our office.
Volunteers
We welcome volunteers to our program. If you are interested in being considered for a volunteer position, submit your request in writing including your resume so that we can consider the appropriate placement and arrange for an interview. Send requests to info@jjpl.org. Subject: Request for volunteer position. You may also come by to fill out an application. Interviews will be scheduled following your request.
Jobs
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR & INFORMATION MANAGER
JJPL is a not-for-profit law office dedicated to reforming Louisiana’s juvenile justice system. Since 1997, JJPL has brought successful lawsuits against Louisiana’s juvenile prisons for the mistreatment of youth, turned back the state’s attempt to administratively transfer young people to adult prisons and represented scores of youth in their individual cases. All of our clients are poor and the vast majority of them are African-American. In addition to legal advocacy in state and federal court, JJPL works with public defenders, parents and communities to reform Louisiana’s juvenile justice system. JJPL's mission is to transform the juvenile justice system into one that builds on the strengths of young people, families and communities in order to instill hope and to ensure children are given the greatest opportunities to grow and thrive.
We are currently seeking a dynamic Systems Administrator & Information Manager to support an existing team of 16 staff, including attorneys and youth advocates, in the following primary areas: computer systems / technology management; database development, management and reporting; web management; and general office systems administration. This person would serve as the JJPL liaison to our computer and network consultant and to our web page master, coordinating technical support and appropriate data and information as-needed.
JJPL is a collaborative, creative environment that strives to develop projects that further our mission; each staff member is respected as a resource for the creation and generation of project ideas as well as new projects. We value creativity and innovation in projects, cases and in the development of the office.
Qualifications: Applicants should be highly motivated, have demonstrated computer technology and database experience, have strong written and oral communication skills and enjoy working in the non profit arena. Working design knowledge of Microsoft Access and experience with Microsoft networks preferred.
Salary: $28,000-$35,000 per year, DOE. Generous vacation and benefits provided. Please send a resume, writing sample and the names and telephone numbers of three references to: Kate Tripp at: 1600 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113 or ktripp@jjpl.org.
JJPL values diversity and is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. JJPL does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, disability or sexual orientation.
Fax resume and references to 504-522-5430 or email to info@jjpl.org.
JJPL periodically has attorney, youth advocate, social worker and administrative positions available. JJPL is an equal opportunity employee. Open positions will be posted on this web site. In addition, we encourage submitting your resume and a cover letter for future consideration to David Utter, Director via info@jjpl.org. Subject: Request for employment.