The Arkansas Public Defender Commission (APDC) is an organization codified under the Arkansas Code Annotated §§ 16-87-201 to address myriad problems and concerns related to the representation of indigent criminal defendants throughout Arkansas. The primary mission of the Commission is to assure adequate, effective, and zealous representation of all indigent persons who are at risk of loss of life or liberty in a court proceeding. APDC provides legal representation and preserves and defends the clients’ constitutional rights. The Arkansas Public Defender Juvenile Ombudsman advocates on behalf of youth who have been committed to the Division of Youth Services. The Juvenile Ombudsman provides independent oversight at all facilities, group homes, and step-down placements for committed youth and their guardians while they are in the juvenile prison system and while they are on aftercare. The Ombudsman also observes the conditions of the facilities and advocate for improvement, review the operations and interaction of staff and youth, inform youth of available services and assist in obtaining them, conducts investigation of complaints and work to uncover problems, Report problems to DYS leadership, juvenile courts and attorneys as deemed necessary, coordinate with DYS to implement solutions and assist public defenders in transfer court proceedings. APDC's website provides forms, case mangement and resources for its clients.