Stepping into the weekend ready to binge watch the new Netflix movies and shows, while catching up on some good ole R&R...sounds perfect. As always before we go grab our favorite blanket OJD is going to sum up the week with a tip, a couple resources and a look inside OJD's participation in a Twitter chat.
Tip of the Week
Building Trust
Investing time is the single most important strategy for building trust and rapport with your client. You need to listen and ask questions without judgment, and explain why you need to ask certain questions. Allow your client the opportunity, and encourage him/her to ask questions as well. Be sure to explain to your client how your role is different from other adults s/he has interacted with (i.e. attorney/client privilege). And most importantly – never make a promise you can’t keep. If you say you’re going to do something – do it! As youth, their trust in the legal and court system may already be tainted by experience of family and themselves, rumors and social media. It's our job to ensure we set the tone of reconciliation and trust.
Resources
On the Civil Side by Jacqui Greene
Jacqui Greene has a new installment for her On the Civil Side blog regarding new minimum age for juvenile delinquency and undisciplined jurisdiction. Read a snippet of the blog below and click here to continue reading:
"Session Law 2021-123 includes several significant changes to the law that governs juvenile delinquency cases. This post will describe one of those changes—an increase in the minimum age for delinquency and undisciplined cases. As I write this post, that age is set at 6 years old. G.S. 7B-1501(7)a., -1501(27)a. Beginning with offenses committed on or after December 1, 2021, the minimum age for most acts of delinquency and for all undisciplined behaviors will be 10 years old."
North Carolina Court of Appeals: 21-184 In re: ZP
To watch the latest COA on In re: ZP that was argued October 7, 2021, please click here.