Holistic Defense

"Holistic defense is a unique model of delivering public defender services to our clients who are coming through the criminal justice system. It recognizes that the criminal case is not the only issue or problem for the client and that even a minor misdemeanor or arrest could explode their lives in lots of other ways." – Robin Steinberg, CEO Bail Project, Director Still She Rises, Tulsa, former executive director of The Bronx Defenders.

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Holistic Defense

Holistic defense is a client-centered, interdisciplinary model of public defense that addresses the circumstances that drive people into the criminal justice system and the consequences of that involvement. Holistic defenders offer comprehensive legal representation, social work support, and advocacy tailored to each client’s unique experiences, goals, and needs. The four pillars of holistic defense are: 1) seamless access to legal and non-legal services that meet client needs; 2) dynamic, interdisciplinary communication; 3) advocates with an interdisciplinary skill set; and 4) a robust understanding of, and connection to, the community served. Our defenders pair aggressive courtroom advocacy with holistic defense to reduce recidivism, reduce incarceration, and offer real solutions to the root causes of system involvement.

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