In Episode 144 of the NASW Social Work Talks Podcast, representatives from the #Right2RemainSilent: Children’s Early Access to Counsel Campaign discuss efforts to end false confessions among youth and strengthen legal protections for young people during police interrogations.

Joining the conversation are José Perez, MPS, Program Strategist at Children’s Defense Fund–New York, along with Amanda Rodriguez (Pressly), MSW, and Gideon Mosse, Policy Coordinators at NASW-NY. Together, they examine the proposed Youth Interrogation Bill, legislation that would require anyone under the age of 18 to consult with an attorney before waiving their constitutional right to remain silent during law enforcement questioning.

The discussion explores how adolescent brain development, coercive interrogation practices, and systemic inequities can contribute to false confessions and long-term consequences for youth. The speakers also discuss the disproportionate impact these practices have on Black, Latino, and other marginalized communities.

Listeners will learn about the history behind the legislation, the coalition of more than 150 organizations advocating for reform across New York State, and why access to legal counsel is a critical safeguard for protecting the rights of children and adolescents.

This episode highlights the intersection of social work, youth justice, public policy, and criminal justice reform, demonstrating how advocacy and policy change can help create a more equitable legal system for young people.