Yolo County to hold 2nd annual youth outreach event

Following the success of last year, For the Defenders of Tomorrow, a youth outreach and engagement event related to public defense, will be returning next month.

Put on by the Yolo County Public Defender's Office's Racial Justice Committee, the program will allow participants to be introduced to positions and teams that make up the Public Defender's Office, meet attorneys and learn about legal proceedings, legal advocacy and public service within the criminal legal system, according to a county press release.

Participants will also get to know the role of paralegals, social workers, and administrative assistants. In addition, participants will also have the opportunity to observe inperson court proceedings, speak with a judge, learn about the steps one needs to take to become a lawyer and test their knowledge of constitutional rights through hypothetical scenarios.

“Many youth may be interested in a career in the criminal legal system, but have never considered working in public defense,” said Deputy Public Defender Jonathan Opet.

“If youth are thinking about working in law enforcement, corrections or another forensic profession, it is important for them to know the role of a public defender and how all these professionals come together to form our criminal legal system.”

At the conclusion of the event, participants will have a better understanding of not only public defense but various aspects of the criminal legal system. It is the Public Defender Office's hope that this knowledge will not only inspire Yolo County youth to consider a career in public defense but also inspire them to be change-makers both in the criminal legal system and in their communities.

“We hope participants will feel comfortable in sharing their experiences and observations from their own lives and neighborhoods, as well as their thoughts regarding how the Public Defender's Office can improve our representation,” said Public Defender Tracie Olson.

“We aim to be good partners with the communities we serve, so part of the purpose of this event is to listen to the youth.”

For the Defenders of Tomorrow will be held Friday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to local high school students, Brown Issues Ambassadors, transitional age youth, current/former foster youth, gap-year students and local community college students.

Space is limited. Those interested are encouraged to sign up by May 26 by contacting Eleni Bonilla at (530) 406-4525 or eleni.bonilla@yolocounty.org.