Cases involving juvenile defendants in New Jersey have special rules and challenges, such as the proceedings typically being closed to the public. To better coordinate juvenile representation throughout the state, the Office of Juvenile Services oversees the planning, policy and training related to those cases.
A study commissioned in 1999 to determine what steps could be taken to help young offenders avoid further contacts with the system found the need for a stronger social-service component in the NJOPD's representation of juveniles. That has led to the use of some social workers as a complement to the work of attorneys in juvenile cases.

In addition, the Office of Juvenile Services was established to coordinate further efforts aimed at improving the NJOPD's representation of juveniles. As a central information clearinghouse, the office helps juvenile attorneys statewide share valuable information and training strategies.

The Director of the Office of Juvenile Services is Cynthia Samuels, a veteran of the NJOPD who has specialized in juvenile cases and who serves on numerous committees dealing with the juvenile justice system.

The office is headquartered in the Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton.

Phone: 609-292-7088
FAX: 609-777-1795