Due Process Protection

The risk of false confessions is directly correlated to a child’s age and development, lack of understanding, and fear of unknown consequences, including a suggested possibility of imprisonment, as well as by the length and circumstances of the questioning.

This risk is so great that the American Psychological Association has recommended that “youth be provided special and professional protection during interrogations such as being accompanied and advised by an attorney or professional advocate.”

We are advocating for policy changes that require a child to have contact with a parent or legal guardian, as well as legal consultation, prior to waiving their Constitutional Rights under Miranda v. Arizona or being subject to a custodial interrogation.