The Juvenile Defender’s Office primarily provides ongoing post-dispositional representation to children and youth who are in the custody of the Department for Families and Children and were represented in original Family Court proceedings by a public defender. It provides representation for these clients at DCF caseplan review meetings, administrative hearings at the Woodside Detention Center and at certain administrative appeal hearings and judicial hearings. The staff advocates for these children in a wide variety of situations.
The supervising attorney in the office also sits on several committees and councils focused on juvenile justice and family services and monitors proposed legislation related to these issues. The office also acts as a resource center for public defenders regarding juvenile law and resources for juvenile clients and their families.
Marshall Pahl, Esq., Supervising Attorney / Deputy Defender General
Kerrie Johnson, Esq., Juvenile Defender
Barbara Gassner, Case Manager
Izzy Finamore, Legal Assistant II
Office of the Juvenile Defender
6 Baldwin Street, 4th Floor
Montpelier, VT 05633-3301
(802) 828-3168
(802) 828-3163 (fax)