NDRN / Disability Rights

CCLP works with the National Disability Rights Network  to help train staff of Protection and Advocacy offices around the country about the rights of youth in the juvenile justice system. Protection and Advocacy systems, mandated and funded by federal law, exist in each state to protect the rights of people with disabilities. P&A agencies have the authority to provide legal representation and other advocacy services, under all federal and state laws, to all people with disabilities (based on a system of priorities for services). P&As maintain a presence in facilities (including juvenile detention and corrections facilities) that care for people with disabilities, where they monitor, investigate and attempt to remedy adverse conditions. These agencies also devote considerable resources to ensuring full access to inclusive educational programs, financial entitlements, healthcare, accessible housing and productive employment opportunities.

The National Disability Rights Network is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally-mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. Collectively, the P&A/CAP network is the largest provider of legally-based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States. Staff from CCLP have provided trainings at national conferences of Protection and Advocacy staff, and are seeking new ways to increase the voice of disability rights advocates in the juvenile justice system.