Has your family been affected by youth court fees and costs? We want to hear from you!
Across Arkansas, families whose children are involved in the juvenile court system are asked to pay fees and costs associated with their cases. These costs can include, but are not limited to:
- Expenses from stays in detention centers
- Electronic monitoring and probation fees
- Public defender (attorney) fees
- Other court costs
These court fees can easily add up to more than $1,000 per case, a huge burden for many families. Often times, families are unable to cover these costs, leaving parents in debt and children in the court system for even longer.
Especially during the COVID-19 health and economic crises, families might have to choose between paying their bills and
paying court costs—a decision that can be devastating for the well-being of our communities during this time.
Disability Rights Arkansas is reaching out to families to hear how these fees may be affecting you and your community. We want to end this practice and are looking to hear from youth and families with experiences in the juvenile court system. Your identity will be confidential to our advocacy team and will not be shared with the courts or any authorities. The experiences you share can help create a better community for all children and families in Arkansas and we are grateful for any time you may be able to provide.
To share your story or for more information, please contact:
Tom Masseau
Executive Director
Disability Rights Arkansas
tmasseau@disabilityrightsar.org
(501) 296-1775