Category: Criminal Justice Reform
Testimony: In Support of Equal Access to Justice for Immigrants
Chris Setz-Kelly, Assistant Chief, Immigration Law Practice, testified before City Council in support of a bill that would establish clear U/T visa procedures that would allow non-citizen survivors of crime to remain in the U.S.
Read the full testimony below, or download it here
Testimony in Support of a Child Welfare Commission
On May 27, 2026, Chief Defender Keisha Hudson was joined by Peer Advocate Duane Price to provide testimony in favor of Resolution #26009400, creating a Philadelphia Child Welfare Commission.
Download a printable version of the full written testimony here
FY 2027 Budget Testimony
The Defender Association’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget testimony details the resources needed to sustain high-quality legal representation while addressing the growing demands of the justice system.
Our budget proposal highlights the essential role public defenders play in protecting rights, reducing unnecessary incarceration, and connecting clients to critical services. It outlines the key investments in staff, infrastructure, and programs like early bail review, reentry support, and the Wellness Court initiative needed to promote more equitable outcomes across the city.
Defender Statement on “ICE Out” Legislation
“The Defender Association of Philadelphia applauds the ‘ICE Out’ legislation introduced by Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau and co-sponsored by a majority of City Council. This legislation will strengthen Philly’s status as a welcoming city and set clear, enforceable boundaries on the role of federal immigration enforcement in Philadelphia. At a moment when noncitizens are facing fear and uncertainty, this legislation sends an important message: access to justice and public safety should not depend on immigration status.
“Everyone should be able to engage with the legal system without intimidation or surveillance by federal immigration authorities. Right now, noncitizens are afraid to attend immigration court or ICE check-ins for fear of detention or deportation, practices federal courts have found to be illegal.
“In our criminal courts, we’ve seen firsthand how noncitizens are less likely to appear as witnesses, victims, or even defendants trying to resolve their cases for fear that masked ICE agents will detain them. This disrupts court operations, destabilizes families, weakens trust in the justice system, and has a negative impact on public safety.
“Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of public safety, and no law enforcement agency operating in Philadelphia should be exempt. ICE’s use of masked agents, unmarked vehicles, and questionable authority creates fear and confusion, making it harder for residents–citizens and noncitizens alike–to understand who is exercising law enforcement power, and why.
“The ‘ICE Out’ legislation introduced today proactively establishes clear boundaries between local and federal governance and enforcement. It prevents city offices and public spaces from being used in ways that undermine due process, damage community trust, or compromise the fair administration of justice.
“We thank City Council for advancing this legislation and reaffirming Philadelphia’s commitment to policies that protect public safety, uphold transparency, and ensure that everyone in our city can access the justice system without fear.”
Defender Launches Immigration Law Practice
The new practice will expand the office’s ability to protect noncitizens facing immigration consequences.
PHILADELPHIA—The Defender Association of Philadelphia today announced the launch of its new Immigration Law Practice (ILP), expanding the office’s ability to protect noncitizens facing immigration consequences—both those navigating the criminal legal system and individuals with no contact with it.
As immigration enforcement has grown more aggressive, even a minor case–or no criminal contact at all–can put noncitizens at risk of detention, family separation, or deportation. The new ILP brings dedicated legal expertise into the Defender Association to ensure noncitizens receive accurate advice, informed advocacy, and representation.
“For many of our clients, one court case can change the course of their entire lives,” said Chief Defender Keisha Hudson, “In the current climate, it’s critical that noncitizens have attorneys who understand how closely the criminal and immigration systems are connected—and who can advocate for outcomes that don’t cause unnecessary harm.”
The Immigration Law Practice will be led by Lilah Thompson, an experienced immigration attorney with a strong background in representing noncitizens facing complex legal challenges. She will be working alongside trial attorneys, social workers, and mitigation specialists to identify immigration risks early and help shape defense strategies that protect clients and their families whenever possible.
“Too often, people are forced to navigate a system that doesn’t fully account for the consequences they face as noncitizens,” Thompson said. “This unit is about making sure our clients have clear information, strong advocacy, and a real chance to protect their futures.”
The launch of the Immigration Law Practice was made possible through the support of key partners and funders, including the Stoneleigh Foundation, City of Philadelphia and the Parker Administration. Their investment reflects a shared commitment to fairness, due process, and a justice system that works better for everyone.
“We’re deeply grateful to the Stoneleigh Foundation, City Council and Mayor Parker for recognizing the urgency of this work,” Hudson said. “Sustained funding will be essential to ensure this practice can grow and continue meeting the needs of noncitizen clients across Philadelphia.”
The Defender Association also emphasized that protecting noncitizens involved in the justice system requires collaboration across institutions. Courts, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers all have a role to play by supporting diversion, considering immigration consequences in legal decisions, and committing to practices that respect due process and human dignity.
“When justice system partners work together thoughtfully, we can reduce unnecessary harm and strengthen families and communities,” Hudson added. “This new practice is an important step—but lasting change depends on continued partnership and investment.”
# # #
Emergency Bail Hearings Safely Release 200 People
EBH has also helped reduce Philly’s prison population by over 1,000
PHILADELPHIA—One year after launching the Emergency Bail Hearing (EBH) initiative, the Defender Association of Philadelphia has helped more than 200 people safely return home while awaiting trial. Between October 7, 2024, and October 7, 2025, 230 people had their cases heard in Emergency Bail Hearings before Judge Karen Simmons. Of those, 216 people —93.9%— were ordered released.
“This is what happens when justice system partners work together toward a shared goal of fairness and safety,” said Chief Defender Keisha Hudson, “The Emergency Bail Hearing program has given hundreds of Philadelphians a chance to fight their cases from home, stay connected to their families, and access the services they need to improve their lives.”
The EBH initiative is a collaboration between the Defender Association, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP), the First Judicial District (FJD), and the District Attorney’s Office (DAO). The program was launched to respond to the urgent need to safely reduce the city’s jail population amid severe staffing shortages and unsafe conditions.
Since the EBH program began, Philadelphia’s jail population has dropped dramatically — from 4,700 in October 2024 to under 3,600 since April 2025. While the Emergency Bail Hearings are only one part of this progress, they demonstrate what’s possible when justice system partners coordinate effectively.
“This program is proof that dialog and cooperation between Philly’s justice system stakeholders works,” said Hudson, “Working together to identify people who can be safely released is just one way we can create a more just and sustainable system for everyone.”
# # #
Immigrant Rights & Resources
Defender Statement on ICE Arrests at the Courthouse
As ICE continues to stalk our courthouses and arrest our undocumented clients, the Defender Association of Philadelphia stands with community members demanding an end to fear, detention, and deportation. We are proud to represent all Philadelphians, regardless of immigration status—and we remain committed to defending those targeted by unjust and inhumane immigration enforcement.
But standing with immigrant communities requires more than words. Every day, undocumented residents are funneled into deportation proceedings—often without lawyers who understand both immigration and criminal law. Without legal representation, their futures, freedom, and families are at risk.
We are engaged in an ongoing effort to secure funding for a dedicated Immigrant Defense Unit. With the resources to build this team, we can ensure that no one in Philadelphia is left to face detention or deportation alone. As ICE detention and deportation increases here in Philadelphia, if this city truly values due process and dignity, it must invest in real defense for our immigrant communities.
Statement on Return of “Sweeps” to Kensington
Arresting and displacing people in crisis won’t make Kensington safer—real support and investment will.
PHILADELPHIA— “The Defender Association of Philadelphia has serious concerns about the City’s resumption of police sweeps in Kensington—an approach we warned against last year. As we said then, these tactics target people who are already struggling: people without housing, people living with addiction, and people who need care—not cuffs. Pushing people from one block to another without real support doesn’t make anyone safer.
“City officials promised a more compassionate strategy, including a “Wellness Court” meant to offer treatment instead of punishment. But so far, that hasn’t happened in any meaningful way. People are still facing charges without a clear path to treatment, housing and other critical supports. Once again, we’re seeing the system respond to a public health crisis with arrests and incarceration. The Defender Association is present in Wellness Court to assist with the lifting of bench warrants, but everyone who has an out-of-county detainer is being sent to the prisons, risking their safety.
“As public defenders, we work every day to connect our clients with the services they need. But we’re doing it with too few resources—and now with four additional treatment programs closing in Philadelphia- there are less resources now more than ever to meet the increasing need for treatment. Our office has led the effort to safely decarcerate the jails so the City can comply with a federal contempt order. The City’s return to police sweeps undermines that progress and puts our clients and prison staff at risk.
We need a seat at the table in the city’s public safety lan. If leaders are serious about helping Kensington, they must include us in the planning and invest in what actually works: stable housing, mental health care, harm reduction, and legal advocacy.
“We’ve seen that real investment makes communities safer. Displacement and arrest do not.”
Statement on New Prison Oversight Board
PHILADELPHIA— “Philadelphia voters have approved the ballot measure to establish a permanent Prison Oversight Board in the City Charter—marking a major step toward accountability, transparency, and basic human rights in our local jails.
“With this vote, our city has sent a clear message: we will no longer look away from the unacceptable conditions faced by incarcerated people and prison employees. This result reflects years of planning, organizing and advocating for transparency and accountability.
“We are grateful to the voters, our advocacy partners, and Councilmembers Isaiah Thomas and Nicolas O’Rourke, who worked so hard to make this moment possible. The people have spoken, and they are saying ‘no’ to dangerous and inhumane conditions on State Road and ‘yes’ to oversight, accountability, and dignity.
“The Defender Association looks forward to working with the new board, City Council, and community partners to ensure real oversight and lasting change.”
# # #
Statement on the Detention of a Defender Client by ICE
People living in Philadelphia should have the right to due process, regardless of their immigration status.
“Last week, after a Defender Association client’s case was dismissed at a preliminary hearing for lack of evidence, he was detained by law enforcement and transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), even though there was no outstanding warrant.
“We’ve raised this matter with the Courts, Philadelphia Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Law Department, and City Council, and we are in active communication with immigrant rights organizations across the city.
“The Defender Association has long held that no one should be subjected to immigration enforcement while seeking justice in our courts. What happened last week is a deeply troubling reminder of the real risks faced by non-citizens navigating our justice system. It underscores the urgent need for the city to invest in legal protections for immigrant communities, including the creation of a fully staffed Immigration Unit at the Defender Association, a core priority outlined in our FY26 budget request.
“We remain committed to protecting the rights of all Philadelphians and fighting for a justice system that is fair and safe for everyone, regardless of immigration status.”
# # #
Defender Statement on Philly FY 2026 Budget
The Mayor’s budget is bold and ambitious, but indigent defense should make up more than 1% of total spending.
“The Mayor’s budget outlines a bold and ambitious vision for Philadelphia’s future—one that emphasizes investment in communities, public safety, and a more just system. But that vision cannot be fully realized without more funding for the Defender Association. In the Mayor’s proposed budget, indigent defense—a constitutional right—accounts for just 1% of total spending.
“The Board and staff of the Defender Association of Philadelphia thanks the City Council members who have already recognized the importance of funding public defense. Their support reflects an understanding that public safety isn’t just about enforcement—it’s also about access to justice, effective representation, connection to services, meaningful alternatives to incarceration, and reentry.
“The Defender Association’s budget proposal also includes a request for funding to start our first Immigrant Defense Unit. “Philadelphia’s immigrant communities are already being detained, and navigating a complex legal system, often without representation. Without dedicated funding for our Immigration Defense Unit, more families will be at risk of separation and removal and more residents will be left to fight for their futures alone. Philadelphia can’t claim to be a place of opportunity while denying people their right to representation.
“Our budget proposal also highlights the real need for Social Workers to support initiatives including Kensington Wellness Court and work with our youth and adult population. Social workers are essential in stabilizing clients by connecting them to housing, treatment, and other critical services. Last year, we represented 44,000 adults, and only had 29 social workers on staff.
“If we want a city where justice is truly accessible to all, we must ensure that the resources exist to make that promise a reality. We look forward to working with City Council and the administration this budget season to make these investments a reality and build a safer, more just Philadelphia.”
# # #
Defender Testimony: Jail Population Reduction Strategies
Testimony: Diversion Programs in Kensington
Defender Statement on Juvenile Detention Special Report
PHILADELPHIA—”Today’s Philadelphia Inquirer special report highlighting the alarming rates of juvenile detention and placement and the abusive conditions faced by young people in the justice system brings much-needed attention to a heartbreaking reality. We’re grateful to the Inquirer for shining a light on this issue and for sharing perspectives that show the real impact of these systemic failures.
“We are also grateful for the exceptional advocacy of our leadership team and public defender, Brendan Lokka and to our client, Abdul Anderson. Our youth often express how terrified they are to speak up on their experiences in detention and placement. Adbul’s bravery in coming forward and speaking to his experience shines a bright light on what so many of our youth go through as they navigate an already traumatic and detrimental juvenile justice system.
“For too long, our youth justice system has fallen short in providing the care, safety, support, education, and rehabilitation that children need. The conditions described in the story aren’t isolated—they’re part of a larger problem rooted in outdated policies that focus on punishment instead of prevention, alternatives to detention and placement, and rehabilitation. The Defender Association has been calling for action and offering solutions, but meaningful change will require bold contributions from every leader and organization that plays a role in our system.
“We’re committed to working together to build a youth justice system that prioritizes protecting and uplifting young people rather than causing further harm. We invite city and state leaders, community groups, and advocates to join us in making the changes our youth desperately need.
“This is a moment to reflect on how we can shift resources from detention to supporting youth and families at home and in the community. If detention or placement is the only option, we must invest in the trauma-informed rehabilitation and robust education and reentry support they deserve so that they can thrive.”
# # #
Keisha Hudson on Passage of Prison Oversight Bill
PHILADELPHIA—“The Defender Association of Philadelphia applauds City Council–in particular, bill sponsors Isaiah Thomas and Nicolas O’Rourke–for the unanimous passage of prison oversight legislation. This bill represents a crucial step toward accountability and transparency in Philadelphia’s jails.
“Managing over 4,000 individuals in secure facilities is a monumental task that requires effective oversight and community partnership. This legislation is an important first step toward building trust and ensuring the City’s correctional system is accountable for the safety of prison employees and incarcerated people.
“The passage of this bill is a pivotal moment for reform, but to be effective, every system stakeholder must collaborate on the implementation of this legislation and other solutions to the systemic challenges within our jails. The Defender Association remains committed to collaborating with justice system partners to create meaningful and lasting change.”
# # #
Defender Days at Prevention Point
Each month, the Defender Association teams up with Prevention Point for Defender Days. We offer legal resources, including information on expungements and probation terminations for eligible clients.
Bookmark this page for information on upcoming Defender Days
Hon. Judge Lydia Kirkland Joins Defender Board
PHILADELPHIA–The Defender Association of Philadelphia is proud to announce that the Honorable Judge Lydia Y. Kirkland, a distinguished member of Philadelphia’s legal community, has joined our Board of Directors. Judge Kirkland brings with her over 30 years of experience as a Municipal Court Judge, including her tenure as Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division, where she championed innovative approaches to justice and rehabilitation.
“We are honored and excited to have Judge Kirkland join the Board of Directors of the Defender Association of Philadelphia,” said Defender Board President Paul Hetznecker, “Judge Kirkland served the cause of justice during her three decades on the bench, while at the time serving as a mentor to the countless litigants, public defenders, assistant district attorneys and private lawyers who appeared before her. I am grateful that Judge Kirkland’s experience and knowledge will be in service of our mission as we move into the future.”
Throughout her career, Judge Kirkland has been a trailblazer in promoting alternatives to incarceration, creating programs that address the root causes of criminal behavior and prioritize treatment and support. Her forward-thinking leadership exemplifies the kind of systemic reform the Defender Association seeks to advance.
“We are thrilled to welcome Judge Kirkland to the Board” said Chief Defender Keisha Hudson. “Her decades of experience, knowledge of our court system, and leadership in pioneering alternatives to incarceration will be invaluable as we continue our fight for equity and justice.”
Judge Kirkland’s addition to the board represents a continued commitment by the Defender Association to draw on diverse expertise in our mission to advance justice and improve outcomes for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable residents.
# # #
Act 111 and the Fight for Police Accountability
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court Case City of Philadelphia v. Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5. is a huge opportunity for the Court to take a stand on police accountability.
At the center of it all is Act 111. Act 111 is a decades-old law that shapes how police contracts are negotiated, with big implications for transparency, public safety, and how our city spends its budget.
The Defender Association has teamed up with the ARC Justice Clinic and the ACLU of Pennsylvania to file an amicus brief in the case.
Download this easy-to-follow explainer from our partners at UPenn Law to learn why this case matters to every Philadelphian.
Download the Act 111 Explainer
Philly Defenders Secure Safe Release of 100 Clients
Defender Testimony: Prison Oversight
Talking Prison Conditions on WURD
October 8, 2024: Chief Defender Keisha Hudson and Director of Prison Advocacy Tom Innes spoke with Tonya Pendleton about Philly jail conditions on WURD’s “Reality Check.”
Full audio below:
Children are Children
Last fall, public defenders, advocates and justice system-impacted people convened for three days to build power and envision what youth justice looks like in Philadelphia.
Watch the videos below to hear their thoughts and insights. ( produced, shot and edited by Zealous)
Defender PAU on “Public Defenseless” Podcast
How Philly Public Defenders Uncovered Systemic Abuses in the Philly Police Department
Mike Mellon and Paula Sen from the Police Accountability Unit joined Hunter Parnell on the “Public Defenseless” podcast. The PAU team spoke about how their work helped to uncover a systemic pattern and practice of lies and illegal use of surveillance cameras.
Click the “play” button below to listen.
Keisha Hudson on Prison Oversight Bill
PHILADELPHIA—“The Defender Association commends Councilmembers Isaiah Thomas and Nicolas O’Rourke, as well as all the co-sponsors (Council President Johnson, and Councilmembers Ahmad, Bass, Brooks, Driscoll, Gauthier, Harrity, Jones, Landau, Lozada, O’Neill, Phillips, Squilla, and Young) for their leadership in introducing an amendment to create a new Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board and Office of Prison Oversight.
“This legislation is a strong and crucial first step toward addressing the persistently dangerous conditions in Philly’s jails. We’re hopeful that the new oversight will increase transparency; improve communication between the jails and our office, as well as between the jails and the community; and enhance safety for both incarcerated people and prison staff by reducing the jail population.
“This legislation represents a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to public safety that goes beyond law enforcement, arrests and convictions. To that end, we echo the sentiments of Councilmembers Thomas and O’Rourke, who remind us that we have a responsibility to all of our citizens–including those behind bars.”
# # #
Statement: Another Death in Philly Jails
PHILADELPHIA–“The ongoing neglect by criminal justice partners to address the horrendous conditions in Philly’s jails has resulted in the tragic death of Michael McKinnis. The Defender Association is still awaiting full information on the circumstances surrounding his death. For the second time in just ten days, we extend condolences to the family of another victim in the custody of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons.
“No guard was assigned to the unit where Mr. McKinnis was housed—an inexcusable but predictable outcome of the well-known guard shortage on State Road. The Defender Association has consistently proposed ways to safely reduce the jail population and ease pressure on the staff. We’ve repeatedly called for collaboration and dialogue to develop solutions to end this crisis.
“This crisis requires us to move as quickly and proactively as we did when COVID-19 was spreading through the jails. The time for city leaders to act is overdue. If this lack of urgency continues, more people are going to die in Philly’s jails.”
# # #
Statement on Latest Overdose Death in Philly Jails
PHILADELPHIA–“The hearts of everyone at the Defender Association of Philadelphia are with the family of Amanda Cahill, who lost her life while in custody after being arrested in the latest ‘Kensington sweep.’ This devastating but avoidable tragedy highlights a fundamental failure in the City’s approach to dealing with the addiction crisis.
“Philadelphia’s jails are severely understaffed, and struggle to handle the existing prison population. They are simply not equipped to handle the surge of people with addiction resulting from these ‘sweeps.’ Ms. Cahill’s death is precisely the kind of tragedy that occurs when we use ineffective law enforcement tactics to address what is ultimately a public health issue. Arresting people suffering from addiction and placing them in jails that are unprepared to meet their many medical and mental health needs will only lead to more preventable deaths.
“We must prioritize the health and safety of all residents by investing in solutions that treat addiction as a medical condition, not a crime. If these sweeps are to continue, medical personnel should be on hand to conduct thorough examinations to determine whether individuals can be sent to hospitals rather than to jail.
“Clearly, the situation in Kensington is dire. That’s why the Defender Association has been calling for the City to work in collaboration with every justice system stakeholder to address these urgent issues comprehensively. Only by working in partnership—across public health, social services, law enforcement, and the legal community—can we prevent tragedies like Amanda Cahill from becoming the norm.
“We once again urge the city to reevaluate its current strategies and work with us and our community partners to find evidence-based solutions that genuinely address the root causes of addiction. Instead of a system that criminalizes our most vulnerable residents, let’s work together to build one that protects them—and their communities—in their most vulnerable moments.”
# # #
Defender Association Response to $25 million Prison Settlement
PHILADELPHIA–”Although the court’s $25 million civil rights class-action settlement over prison conditions is a significant step, it is unfortunate that it’s taken repeated judicial intervention for the City of Philadelphia to fulfill its obligations. Judge McHugh’s ruling underscores the city’s ongoing failure to address the safety and dignity of incarcerated individuals. The well-being of those in custody in the Philly jails and the employees who work there should never be an afterthought, and we hope this ruling is a catalyst for lasting reform.
“We have repeatedly called attention to the inhumane conditions faced by those held in the Philadelphia Department of Prisons. The severe lack of transparency, inadequate staffing, and overcrowded facilities are ultimately a threat to both human rights and public safety. The city’s failure to heed these warnings and take decisive action has left the courts no choice but to step in.
“Our office has been advocating for the solutions outlined by Judge McHugh in his order, including assessing the release of low-risk, medically vulnerable individuals. While the order outlines processes to address the understaffing, the jail won’t be able to hire itself out of this crisis. We need to lower the population so that at least the oldest jail can be retired and the staff there reassigned where needed. These measures are critical steps that could significantly ease the burden on staff and improve safety conditions.
“The Defender Association reiterates its call for the city to work in collaboration with every justice system stakeholder, community leaders and advocates to implement changes that prioritize safety, transparency, and accountability within our jails and across the justice system. But to ensure these changes are lasting and meaningful, we need to establish a permanent oversight body that can collaborate with prison administrators to prevent similar crises in the future.
“Those incarcerated on State Road and the prison employees are citizens of Philadelphia. We can’t afford to leave them out of the public safety conversation.”
Defender CYJ Chief Nicole El on WURD Radio
Statement on Closing of Philly Juvenile Assessment Center
PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association of Philadelphia is deeply concerned about the proposed plan to permanently close the Juvenile Justice Assessment Center (JAC). This decision represents a significant step backwards in our collective efforts to implement trauma-informed policies for our youth.
“By reverting to older methods, we risk exposing children to the traumatic experiences that come with traditional arrest processes. They will be handcuffed and held in facilities that are not designed for them, in the same buildings with adult arrestees. This environment is not only inappropriate but also harmful, as their primary interactions will be with law enforcement officers rather than trained youth advocates.
“Closing the JAC means that young people will likely face repeated–and unacceptable–violations of the 6-hour rule, which states that juveniles must not be held in police custody for more than six hours without being charged or released.
“The changes will impose additional training burdens on law enforcement, expecting them to fulfill roles outside their expertise. Creating an environment where families feel confident in accepting their child back home is crucial to preventing unnecessary stays in juvenile detention centers. Police officers, regardless of training, cannot replicate the expertise and approach of social workers dedicated to youth advocacy. They are ill-suited to handle the nuanced needs of young people and their families, including contacting family members, connecting them with community-based services, and ensuring safe transportation home from police stations.
“Philadelphia’s law enforcement has historically struggled to ensure uniform and equitable implementation of diversionary policies. This history casts doubt on the effectiveness and fairness of the proposed changes.
“The Defender Association was part of the collaborative stakeholder team during the JAC planning process. However, we have not been included in discussions regarding decentralization, offense review processes, or the potential shift of community connections and resources to DHS-sponsored programs.
“We urge city officials to reconsider these changes. We must prioritize trauma-informed practices and the involvement of experienced social workers to truly support our youth and their families.”
# # #
Policy Statement: Prison Population Reduction Post-Remick
Join Our Youth Action Board!
Are you 18-23, currently system involved, or have you transitioned out of the system? Do you have something to say? Apply to join our Youth Action Board!
The Youth Action Board (YAB), is a youth-led collective that aims to amplify the voices of older youth (ages 18-23) who have experienced the foster system. Together, our mission is to evoke change and bring awareness to the issues older youth face as they transition out of the system.
The YAB advocates for:
-Raising awareness for youth and connecting them with important services;
-Dismantling systemic injustice and improving legal representation;
-Encouraging services that are culturally aware, trauma informed, and courteous;
-Conflict resolution and effective communication; and
-Promoting leadership, story telling, and uplifting
The YAB will campaign, organize, and advise on issues strictly impacting Older Youth in child-serving systems. This group will guide how to better serve and represent youth in ways that respect their agency.
This is an opportunity for you to be heard and to be at the forefront of making a difference! Apply to be a part of the Youth Action Board!
Fill out the Youth Action Board application here
Download and share the Youth Action Board Flyer
Defender Association Supports ACLU-PA’s Indigent Defense Lawsuit
PHILADELPHIA–The Defender Association of Philadelphia supports ACLU-PA’s lawsuit against Pennsylvania for inadequate state funding for indigent defense. In Gideon v Wainwright, the Supreme Court ruled that every individual is entitled to legal counsel in court, regardless of ability to pay. But many public defender offices are so underfunded that they can’t provide proper legal representation. This isn’t just about money—it’s about justice and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, gets the constitutionally required effective representation.
We appreciate Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership in adding a $7.5 million line item for public defense in the state budget. It’s a positive step, but public defender offices still rely almost entirely on county funding. This creates a system where the quality of defense varies widely depending on where you live, leading to unequal justice.
Underfunded public defender offices struggle with overwhelming caseloads and insufficient resources, making it nearly impossible to meet the constitutional mandate for effective counsel. This not only harms those accused of crimes but also erodes trust in our justice system. ACLU-PA’s lawsuit aims to change this by pushing for statewide reform and adequate funding for all public defender offices.
We urge Pennsylvania to act now and ensure that every public defender office in the Commonwealth has the resources needed to provide effective representation. We need a justice system that works for every Pennsylvania citizen.
# # #
Jr. Defenders: Making Positive Change!
We are super proud of our Junior Defenders at Gompers Middle School!
These young advocates have shown incredible dedication and teamwork by using collective resistance to push for better school lunches. Their efforts culminated in a powerful presentation to representatives from the Philadelphia School District.
Collective resistance is just one of the many initiatives we teach in our 6-week youth program. Through this program, students learn the importance of advocacy, community engagement, and standing up for their rights. The success of the Junior Defenders at Gompers Middle School is a testament to the impact of these lessons.
We believe that empowering youth with the skills to advocate for themselves and their communities is crucial. These young leaders have demonstrated that with the right tools and support, they can make meaningful changes in their schools and beyond.
2024 Father’s Day Bailout
Defender Association Response to Kensington “Sweep”
PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association fully realizes that immediate action is needed to address the conditions in Kensington. But the City’s May 8 “sweep” of homeless people signals a return to draconian and ineffective crime and drug policies. We are also troubled by the lack of communication we have received from the city in advance of these actions. This information vacuum is particularly concerning as it potentially compromises our ability to serve our clients.
“To be sure, the Defender Association and the Parker Administration have very different policy perspectives. We have long believed that it’s a bad idea to rely on the criminal legal system to solve a public health crisis. The unintended harms of the planned “jail vs. treatment” strategy outweigh any derived benefits for people in addiction. The city’s action’s also threaten to overwhelm the court and jail system, and will likely shift the current problem to other neighborhoods that haven’t been receiving the same amount of attention.
“Despite our efforts to be included in the discussions around Kensington, the Defender Association has received little information about the city’s plans. This is troubling because our office represents a significant percentage of adult men and women from Kensington. From 2017 to 2022 we provided services for nearly 12,000 clients from this neighborhood. Getting timely details about upcoming plans is critical for preparing our attorneys and social workers to serve what will undoubtedly be an uptick in cases stemming from the increased law enforcement activity.
“We can discuss and debate policy. But there’s no question that anyone arrested for a crime–in Kensington or elsewhere–has a right to legal counsel. As the city’s public defender, we feel it is incumbent upon the city to include our office in any discussion that relies so heavily on our justice system.”
“As we work toward solutions that will benefit everyone impacted by the activities in Kensington, the Defender Association looks forward to a more open dialogue with city officials and stakeholders.”
# # #
2024 Junior Defender Internships
Are you (or do you know) a high school student who will be 18 before June 10, 2024? Do you want to learn about our criminal legal system while getting PAID? Apply to our Junior Defender Internship Program!
Junior Defenders will learn about our justice system through workshops; observing Philly’s courts in action; taking field trips and more. Click here to learn more about Junior Defenders. Watch the video below to hear from last year’s interns!
There are TWO internship sessions: June 10 – July 19, 2024; and July 22 – August 30, 2024.
Interested? Use the online form to apply TODAY for this internship opportunity! Application Deadline is Tuesday, April 30!
Questions? Contact Tamira McCurdy: tmccurdy@philadefender.org
Defender FY 2025 Budget Testimony
Defender 90th Anniversary Highlights
On April 4, 2024, we’re celebrating 90 years of representing Philly adults and youth with a very special event at the Constitution Center. All are welcome to attend and celebrate along with the Defender’s past and present leaders, and many more elected officials and luminaries who began their careers at the Defender Association.
Help us celebrate 90 years of public defense in Philly, as we look to grow the next generation of Philly Defenders! Click the links below to learn how you can take part in the celebration!
Details, tickets and sponsorship information here
Press Release: Pushing Back on Misleading Crime Narratives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2024
PRESS CONTACT: Rabiah Alicia Burks, r.burks@nlada.org, (202) 452-0620
Public Defense Chiefs Push Back on Misleading Crime Narratives that Are Driving Policy This Election Year
Speaking at Gideon Day press briefing, chiefs encourage reporters to speak to public defenders for better-informed stories, and discuss ways public defenders promote community safety.
WASHINGTON — Chief public defenders from across the country gathered today for a discussion on the state of public defense during a crime-focused election year. Co-sponsored by the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA), the panel discussion commemorated Gideon Day, the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in Gideon v. Wainwright, which recognizes the constitutional right to public defense for people who cannot afford counsel. A recording of the event can be found here, and a fact sheet/resource guide for reporters is available here.
“Public defender offices across the country are wholly under-resourced, while prosecutors and law enforcement are funded at several times the rate, and this funding discrepancy leads to greater disparities and injustices within the legal system,” said April Frazier Camara, president and CEO of NLADA. “Misleading narratives on crime and safety are fueling these policy decisions. Public defenders are joining forces to fight back against these fear-based tactics and to combat these practices.”
The discussion was moderated by Civil Rights Corps Founder Alec Karakatsanis, a civil rights lawyer and former public defender who has written extensively about “copaganda,” or the manipulation of media by police and prosecutors.
“Public defenders are dedicated to safe communities, and their voices should not go unheard in the national conversation about crime and community safety,” said Karakatsanis. “The extraordinary focus by the media on low-level-crimes reported by police has the effect of manipulating what all of us think and feel are the most urgent problems in our society. It distracts us from the greatest dangers that we face and obscures safety solutions right in front of our eyes. Public defenders can be an invaluable counterbalance to that.”
“Providing indigent individuals with fierce representation in court itself fosters safer communities—by guarding against wrongful convictions and by advocating against incarceration, which is incredibly destabilizing for families and communities,” said San Francisco elected Public Defender Mano Raju. “Our office also provides services that address the root causes of interactions with the criminal system, such as our MAGIC youth programs, our College Pathway Project, which helps formerly incarcerated people go to college and our End the Cycle program, which connects newly arrested people to services.”
Many reporters accept without question the information and crime statistics that police and prosecutors give them, and in turn, their stories are used to bolster policy decisions that benefit law enforcement and drive incarceration. Journalists do a disservice to their readers when their stories are more about feelings than facts, according to the panel.
“We have seen this play out in New York State, where the Governor has rolled back our historic bail reform law on multiple occasions,” said New York County Defender Services Executive Director Stan Germán. “Politicians have succumbed to a fear-mongering campaign launched by proponents of mass incarceration rather than focus on the data analysis which clearly demonstrated the success of a bail law that reduced the racial and wealth disparities in our criminal legal system.”
Funding is an ongoing struggle for public defender offices in large cities as well as rural areas, despite the fact that basic fairness should dictate that prosecutors and defenders receive equal funding.
“In most states, funding for DAs is two to one compared to public defenders, dollar for dollar,” said Alameda County Chief Defender Brendon Woods. “That’s not a fair fight. Another significant factor is the work police departments do in support of the prosecution, essentially providing a free investigatory wing to every prosecutor’s office in the state. If you fund systems that incarcerate people, more incarceration will result. And incarceration drains public resources away from solutions that address the root causes of crime like housing, jobs, and education.”
“One of our biggest challenges is retaining experienced attorneys, who often leave public defense for better-paying jobs in other sectors. If we had pay parity with other legal offices, we’d be able to keep more veteran lawyers, which means better representation to our clients,” said Defender Association of Philadelphia Chief Defender Keisha Hudson. “I think public defenders have tremendous value to the media because we have the insight and data to share the full story of our clients—not just as suspects, but as full human beings.”
“In rural communities, recruitment is challenging due to vast legal deserts. A shortage of lawyers makes workloads for existing public defenders extremely high,” said Iowa State Public Defender Jeff Wright. “We have difficulty competing with the salaries prosecutors and other legal professions are able to offer.”
With greater funding parity, public defender offices are better able to engage in community outreach and to expand programs that prevent people from being funneled into the system in the first place, said Orleans Public Defenders Director of Community Outreach and Lead Organizer Robert Jones.
“Our clients are the community, so we need to be part of that,” said Jones, who is formerly incarcerated. “Community members need to see PDs everywhere. Our office partners with community organizations to assist people when they are in the criminal legal system, and moreover to keep them from having contact with the system.”
This press briefing was sponsored by the NLADA, the American Council of Chief Defenders, the Black Public Defender Association, the Gault Center, San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, Defender Association of Philadelphia, the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office, Orleans Public Defender’s Office, and New York County Defender Services. This event is part of NLADA’s ongoing initiative, “Fighting for the AccUSed: The Public Defender Campaign for Safe, Secure Communities.” The Fighting for the AccUSed campaign is changing perceptions about public defenders in communities and the press. It also seeks to build public support for the passage of the federal EQUAL Defense Act (HR 3758) and the Quality Defense Act (S.850), and urges the Biden Administration to support other federal, state, and local efforts to fund public defense.
Public defenders are integral parts of the communities they serve and include social workers, investigators, community engagement professionals, and lawyers. Nationwide, about 80 percent of individuals who are accused of crimes in the legal system are represented by a public defender.
The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA), founded in 1911, is America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. NLADA has pioneered access to justice at the national, state and local levels, playing a leadership role in the creation of public defender systems and other important institutions from The Sentencing Project to the Legal Services Corporation. A leader in the development of national standards for civil legal aid and public defense, NLADA also provides advocacy, training, and technical assistance for equal justice advocates across the country.
###
Philly Defenders argue before the PA Supreme Court
Defender Association attorneys will be arguing two cases before the PA Supreme Court on March 5 & 6
On March 5 and 6, Philly Defender attorneys Katherine Muns and Len Sosnov will be arguing two cases before the PA Supreme Court. Commonwealth v. Saunders and Commonwealth v. Berry are important cases that will have an impact on our clients and Philadelphia’s criminal justice system. More information and links to watch live proceedings are below:
Commonwealth v. Saunders (approx 10:00am): The case is the Defender Association’s appeal about whether Commonwealth v. Alexander prevents police from entering a car without a warrant after a vehicle stop to seize a gun or other contraband they can see in the car from the outside. Or, whether as the Superior Court held, the “plain view exception” permits officers to enter the car and seize the contraband without getting a warrant. The Court’s decision will likely impact a large number of cases for Defender clients.
Click here to watch live on March 5
Commonwealth v. Berry (9:30am): Pennsylvania law has been inconsistent about when and how a sentencing court can look at and consider a defendant’s prior arrest record. This case argues that due process and the Sentencing Code bar a trial court from considering a defendant’s bare arrest record in imposing a greater sentence.
Get Your Defender 90th Swag!
Deadline to get your gear: March 11!
For a limited time, commemorate 90 Years of the Philly Defender and 50 years of the Child Advocacy Unit with your own tshirt, hoodie or bag!
Get your Defender 90th Anniversary swag today!
Learn more about our 90th Anniversary Celebration & Gala on April 4
Statement on Alexander Spencer Shooting
PHILADELPHIA—”The Defender Association of Philadelphia sends its condolences to Alexander Spencer’s family, friends and community. We join the public call for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident that led to his death on January 26.
“As public defenders, we know it’s a mistake to jump to conclusions before all the evidence has come to light. But what’s been reported so far sounds too similar to tragedies that have played out in Philly and across the country–right down to the police narrative that seems to shift with every new piece of information revealed.
“Every time there’s an incident like this, it creates more mistrust between the police and the neighborhoods they’re sworn to protect. If we want our communities to be safe, we need to explore and invest in interventions that help reduce, not increase, the number of interactions between law enforcement and our communities.
# # #
Apply Today: HBCU Community Engagement Fellows
Ski Mask Ban: Criminalizing Philly’s Youth
Defender Statement on PA Legislature’s Passage of Criminal Justice Bills
PHILADELPHIA—“On December 13, the PA Legislature passed justice system reform bills that represent significant and positive steps toward criminal justice reform. We celebrate these milestones as victories for justice system-involved Pennsylvanians. At the same time, lawmakers also passed legislation that doesn’t go far enough, or, in some cases represent setbacks in our efforts to create a justice system that works for everyone.
“For the first time, the state budget includes funding for public defender offices across the Commonwealth. This is a major budget provision that removes Pennsylvania’s distinction of being the only state that doesn’t provide funding for indigent defense.
“The Defender Association is particularly thrilled about the passage of HB 689 (Clean Slate Expansion). Entanglement with the criminal justice system justice can create unnecessary lifelong obstacles to housing, career and job opportunities. HB 689 allows Pennsylvanians to seal felony records for most theft and drug convictions after 13 crime-free years. This is a major win for the thousands of people who’ve served their time and are working hard to build a better future for themselves and their families.
“Unfortunately, while we’re appreciative of the amendments made to HB 838 (probation reform bill), the legislation still falls far short of what the Defender Association would want for the tens of thousands of clients we represent in cases related to probation violations.
“We’re particularly concerned about the passage of SB 140, which allows the Attorney General to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate and prosecute crimes occurring ‘within a public transportation center,’ effectively eliminating local and duly elected District Attorneys from the equation. We also feel that the Legislature missed opportunities to make meaningful changes to the Commonwealth’s juvenile justice and medical parole laws.
“While we certainly don’t support every bill that passed last night, the Defender Association appreciates the energy that is being focused on changes to Pennsylvania’s justice system. We remain committed to working with our community allies, and sharing what we learn from data and our clients’ experiences with our state legislators. Ultimately, we believe these conversations will lead to improved criminal justice reform legislation in the future.”
# # #
Defender Joins Protest of ICE at Philly Courthouses
Chief Defender Keisha Hudson, joined a press conference organized by Juntos to protest Federal ICE agents’ practice of detaining undocumented clients, witnesses and family members outside of Philly’s courtrooms. Full remarks below:
The Defender Association of Philadelphia represents over 70% of the people accused of crimes in the city. All of our clients are poor, most of them are people of color and many of them undocumented city residents.
All of these groups have one thing in common: a fraught relationship with our justice system. As public defenders, it is our job to provide the best possible legal counsel to our clients.
But mistrust in our system often makes it difficult to get them, as well as witnesses from the community and even supporters and family members, to fully participate in the legal process.
Enforcement of immigration laws does not mean interfering with our ability to deliver justice for our clients and communities. But that’s exactly what’s happening here.
ICE’s practice of literally seizing individuals as they step foot outside of this courthouse undermines the court’s ability to provide equal access to justice and shatters confidence in the safety of the courthouse and the judicial system–not just among the undocumented, but the general public.
We’ve raised this issue with the leadership of the First Judicial District. We’re hopeful that the Courts will work with us to find solutions to curb the very serious threat ICE’s actions pose to the integrity and effectiveness of Philly’s justice system.
Defender Association/Partners For Justice Featured in Philadelphia Citizen
Check out this story in the Philadelphia Citizen featuring the work of our Partners for Justice colleagues! Learn more about the partnership here.
Defender Statement in Support of HB1410
PHILADELPHIA–“Pennsylvania has archaic and overly punitive sentencing laws that have little positive impact on public safety in the Commonwealth. Like most aspects of our judicial system, the harshest impacts are felt by Pennsylvania’s Black and Brown incarcerated population.
“Our experience working in communities teaches us that returning citizens are an incredible resource and source of positive guidance for young people in our neighborhoods. Right now there are around 2,000 commutation-eligible people serving time in Pennsylvania prisons, costing taxpayers millions of dollars every year. By requiring a simple majority of the board to commute sentences, HB1410 will give these citizens a much-needed second chance to show that they are far more valuable at home than behind prison walls.
“The Defender Association of Philadelphia urges the PA Legislature to pass HB1410, and brighten the future for incarcerated people and their families.”
# # #
Video: PAU’s Mike Mellon on PhillyCAM
On October 2, the Defenders’ Police Accountability Unit Chief Mike Mellon spoke with Danielle Wilson on PhillyCAM about some of the issues related to policing and public safety in Philadelphia.
Learn More About the Police Accountability Unit
Watch the video below:
Keisha Hudson on Court’s Dismissal of Irizarry Shooting Case
PHILADELPHIA—“Our (mostly Black and Brown) clients never get to present or argue a justification defense at a preliminary hearing. And they certainly do not get their cases dismissed based on a judge’s determination that there was a justification defense.
“Instead, our clients—all of whom are poor and almost exclusively Black and Brown people—have their cases held for trial, and they sit in jail for months awaiting their day in court. Going forward, certainly before this forum, Defender Association attorneys will be making the same arguments and demanding the same results.”
# # #
Keisha Hudson on Passing of JoAnne A. Epps
PHILADELPHIA–“The staff and Board of Directors of the Defender Association of Philadelphia are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Interim Temple University President JoAnne A. Epps.
“JoAnne was a past president and current member of the Defender’s Board of Directors. Even after being named Temple’s interim president, her commitment to the work of the Defender never wavered. She was a consistent and needed presence at every board meeting, and provided invaluable input that has helped us shape our policies, priorities and values.
“This is a devastating loss for the public defender community and our city. Though we, like the entire Temple University family, are emotionally reeling right now, our thoughts and prayers are with her husband and family at this extremely difficult time.”
# # #
Keisha Hudson on “Exonerated Justice” Legislation
September 14, 2023: Chief Defender Keisha Hudson made the following remarks at a press conference for Councilmember Isaiah Thomas’s “Exonerated Justice” legislation.
Entanglements with the justice system often do permanent harm to individuals and their families. For those who are ultimately exonerated, the stigma, pain and anguish caused by the system can remain for a lifetime.
The Defender Association of Philadelphia has always invested heavily in supportive services for our adult and youth clients. The ability to provide these critical services is one reason why a well-funded public defender is so important. We constantly seek to partner with local organizations to leverage existing community resources that will improve outcomes for justice system-involved people at all stages–from arrest, to sentencing, to release.
Even though they are just as negatively impacted by the system, exonerated people are too often left out of the conversations about re-entry. We act as if their exoneration is all they need to get their lives back on track. Exonerated Justice would provide a critical, one-stop access to resources and services they need as they reintegrate into their communities. This is particularly important here as, unlike other jurisdictions, the state of Pennsylvania does not provide any financial compensation to those who have been wrongfully convicted. The Exonerated Justice legislation is a welcome and much-needed step toward improving the lives of the wrongfully accused.
Our office thanks Councilmember Thomas and his team for once again thinking holistically about how we can mitigate the damage caused by our justice system, and for allowing the Defender Association to share our insights and expertise as we develop solutions.
We look forward to the passage, and ultimate implementation of this legislation, and look forward to working with the City to ensure that we fully acknowledge the harm caused by wrongful convictions, and do everything we can to make things right.
Chief Defender on Shooting of Eddie Irizarry
PHILADELPHIA–“It’s a very sad fact that Eddie Irizarry should be alive today. It’s also true that we, as a city must come together to honestly and forcefully address the issue of shifting police narratives.
“This is an issue we, as public defenders deal with too often in the courtroom. When police officers give misleading accounts of their own actions, it not only undermines the integrity of our justice system, but also creates irrevocable harm to people on trial. If we want to have a serious conversation about public safety, then we need every stakeholder to honestly and transparently perform their duties.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Eddie Irizarry’s family and loved ones, and we join them in calling for answers and accountability from our justice system for this tragedy.”
# # #
In Memory of YASP Co-Founder Josh Glenn
The Defender Association of Philadelphia joins the thousands of our city’s young people, activists and community members in mourning the sudden passing of YASP co-founder Josh Glenn. Josh was an incredible leader and advocate. Among his many achievements was the establishment of the nation’s first Youth Participatory Defense Hub, right here in Philadelphia. Any progress we’ve made toward reforming our juvenile justice system would not be possible without his efforts and leadership.
There are few individuals—or organizations, for that matter—who have positively impacted as many young lives as Josh Glenn. Though our thoughts and our hearts are with his family at this time, this is a loss for the entire city of Philadelphia.
Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, August 24, at Monumental Baptist Church (4948 Locust St). The viewing will be at 9AM, with the service to begin at 10AM. The service will also be live-streamed on Monumental Baptist Church’s Facebook page.
Press Release: Defender, Partners for Justice Collaboration
PHILADELPHIA–The Defender Association of Philadelphia is partnering with national nonprofit Partners for Justice (PFJ) to further expand its practice and take on more extensive wrap-around service capacity in the community. The partnership, which officially began on July 17, will enable the Defender to bring on a team of non-attorney advocates who will help clients navigate and mitigate the damage caused by the criminal legal system, ensuring more people are able to move forward from a criminal case with their futures intact.
The collaboration between the two organizations began this month when three PFJ client advocates began two-year stints with the Defender Association. The advocates, working within the Defender Association’s juvenile and adult divisions, will assist attorneys with mitigation and aid clients with ancillary matters, from youth mentoring and assistance with school evictions to re-entry work and parole planning.
“Our partnership with PFJ is critical to our mission to provide client-centered advocacy that not only includes providing legal services, but connecting clients to supportive services and creating pathways to social and economic stability,” said Chief Defender Keisha Hudson.
Partners for Justice was founded in 2018 with a mission to transform public defense and has since expanded to 24 locations across the nation. Philadelphia is PFJ’s second location in the commonwealth, following a 2022 partnership with the Delaware County Public Defender’s Office, and third location regionally with a site in Delaware. Since PFJ was founded, client advocates have connected thousands of clients annually with supportive services and reduced jail time by finding appropriate and effective non-carceral alternatives.
“We’re incredibly excited to collaborate and help the Defender Association level up their already amazing services, said Emily Galvin-Almanza, PFJ’s Founder and co-Executive Director, “Public defenders are most visible as essential front-line workers in our legal system, but looking at the work they actually do—helping folks with housing, employment, substance use and mental health treatment, benefits access—it becomes clear that they’re actually integral to our public safety, public health, and economic infrastructure as well.”
Hudson said Collaborating with PFJ will help the Defender Association achieve its goal of expanding services provided to its child and youth clients. “We were very specific about centering our young clients in our budget request to the City of Philadelphia. Bringing in PFJ Advocates is one of the ways we’re investing the additional resources we received this year from City Council.”
Galvin-Almanza: “When public defenders partner with our Advocates, clients have the resources and tools to break the cycle of poverty, criminalization, and incarceration Investing in public defenders is investing in the safety of our communities and investing in individual prosperity.”
For information about this partnership, read BillyPenn’s coverage here.
# # #
Testimony: “Marshall Plan for Kensington” Hearing, July 18, 2023
At a public hearing at Conwell Middle School, Chief Defender Keisha Hudson presented the data and policy recommendations focused on addressing the public safety and humanitarian crisis in the Kensington section of Philadelphia.
Defender Statement on JJSC Ruling from Commonwealth Court
PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association of Philadelphia applauds the Commonwealth Court ruling ordering the state to intervene to ease the overcrowding and mitigate the unhealthy and dangerous conditions at Philly’s Juvenile Justice Services Center (JJSC).
“For months, Defender’s leadership team and attorneys have been advocating—publicly, privately and every day in court—for a range of solutions that would address the overcrowding at the JJSC and ensure that these children received the care and supportive services they need. Although we’re waiting for the City and the Courts to reconvene our weekly meetings on JJSC, the Commonwealth’s suggestion that we haven’t been engaged in this conversation is factually inaccurate and insulting.
“To be sure, there are approaches we should be implementing to address the problem. Reexamining who should be detained; better use of existing technology (e.g. GPS monitors) and reporting centers; and working with local organizations to expand our pipeline of supportive services for children are all ideas we should explore on the local level. But this crisis also requires some intervention and a greater sense of collaboration from the Commonwealth. For example, just a slight, temporary adjustment to their staffing ratios (say, from 1:4 to 1:5) could go a long way to easing overcrowding at the JJSC.
“The JJSC is just the latest example of why simply warehousing young people is not an effective public safety tactic. In the short term, we’re straining city resources and putting children and staff at risk. In the long term, the family separation and life-threatening conditions of confinement are exposing our children to trauma that can last for a lifetime.”
Keisha Hudson on FY 2024 Budget
The Defender’s budget increase shows our City leaders understand the value of a well-funded public defenders office.
PHILADELPHIA–“On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors of the Defender Association of Philadelphia, I’d like to thank the Kenney Administration and City Council for proposing and passing a budget that includes a significant funding increase for our office.
“While our primary role is providing free legal counsel for those accused of crimes, we believe that connecting our clients to supportive services is the key to keeping them out of prison and on the path to brighter futures. To that end, the Defender Association will be putting the additional funds to good use. Most notably, we’ll be adding more social workers and attorneys to support our children and youth clients. The increase will also allow us to collaborate with Partners for Justice, whose advocates will work alongside our attorneys, connecting clients to healthcare, employment, housing and other needs.
“We appreciate the City of Philadelphia for recognizing that, when it comes to creating healthier, safer communities, a well-funded public defender is every bit as important as the investments we make in law enforcement and other areas of the justice system.”
# # #
Talking Community Outreach with Guy Lang
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1682706311203{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #263797 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1682706531697{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]Guy Lang, the Defender’s Director of Youth Programs and Community Outreach, stopped by the Germantown Info Hub podcast to talk about his grassroots approach to working with community members, and share information on the Jr. Defender and other Defender Association outreach programs. Listen to the episode below.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1682706500919{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #263797 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Talking Public Defense Funding on “Philly Speaks”
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1682016102458{background-color: #c0eefd !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]On April 16, Keisha Hudson joined Senator Vincent Hughes and Rep. Napoleon Nelson on Hughes’s “Philly Speaks” radio program (WRNB) to discuss public defense funding in PA. Listen to the full discussion.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/phillydefenders/wrnbapril16″ align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Testimony: Committee on Gun Violence Prevention
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1681765453980{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]On April 17, Chief Defender Keisha Hudson presented testimony before City Council’s Committee on Gun Violence Prevention. The Defender’s testimony offered data and proposed solutions on ways to address the conditions that push too many of Philadelphia’s young people toward gun possession.
Watch Keisha’s testimony below, and click here to read the full written testimony submitted to City Council. submitted by the Defender.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1681765467994{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/818504697″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Keisha Hudson on “New Thinking” Podcast
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1680725922471{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1680725939247{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/815053902″ align=”center”][vc_column_text]
Listen to a snippet from Keisha Hudson here
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Chief Defender Keisha Hudson joins Michigan Law’s Eve Primus, and Brooklyn Law Center’s Alexis Hoag-Fordjour to discuss the groundbreaking yet unfulfilled legacy of Gideon v. Wainwright.
Listen to the full podcast below:[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Keisha Hudson on First Year of Driving Equality Law
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Driving Equality has had a significant impact in cutting down racially-motivated pretextual stops, and no negative impact on public safety.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association of Philadelphia joins Councilmember Isaiah Thomas in celebration of the one year anniversary of the Driving Equality Law, and thanks him for his vision and leadership in making this law a reality in Philadelphia.
“I also want to highlight the Defender’s Police Accountability Unit for the outstanding work they’ve done to compile and analyze the data that guides the purpose of this law–reducing the number of unnecessary, negative encounters between police and community members. The data is clear: Driving Equality has had a significant impact in cutting down racially-motivated pretextual stops, while having no negative impact on public safety.
“To truly appreciate Driving Equality, we should look beyond what the law does, and celebrate the thoughtful, evidence-based and collaborative approach to its creation. Driving Equality didn’t just happen–it is the culmination of months of debate, discussion and collaboration between City leaders, the Defender Association, the police and the community. Driving Equality is being studied and replicated by other American cities because it’s a great example of a ‘good government’ law that takes a balanced, data-driven approach to public safety and racial justice.
“The Defender Association is proud to be recognized for our subject matter expertise in this area, and are thankful for the opportunity we’ve been given to work with Councilmember Thomas and his team on this now nationally recognized model legislation.
“We’re committed to working together with elected leaders, justice system and community stakeholders on future endeavors to increase trust and cooperation between Philadelphia residents and institutions.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating one year of Driving Equality, and hope that this law is the first of many legislative initiatives aimed at making Philadelphia a more just and safe city.”
# # #
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Keisha Hudson on Abolishing the Death Penalty in PA
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Abolishing the Death Penalty would save the lives of many incarcerated people from Philadelphia.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association of Philadelphia applauds and supports Governor Shapiro’s call for the Pennsylvania Legislature to abolish the death penalty.
“We know that the death penalty is not a crime deterrent or an avenue to increased public safety. Moreover, many, if not most of the people sitting on death row in Pennsylvania facilities are former Philadelphia residents who do not deserve to be put to death.
“The work of our community allies around compassionate release has demonstrated that many of the people languishing for decades in prison could be safely returned to their communities, and even be positive agents for change in neighborhoods experiencing high levels of violence.
“The Defender Association thanks Governor Shapiro for his leadership on this issue. We will lend our expertise and advocacy to any efforts toward legislation that will end this archaic practice once and for all.”
# # #
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Black History Month Racial Justice Screening Series
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The Defender & Nat Turner Law School are hosting special screenings and discussions centered on promoting antiracism in our justice system.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1675718681919{background-color: #000000 !important;}”]
Want to participate remotely in any of the panel discussions on these films? Register using the links below
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1675719142564{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffe902 !important;border-left-color: #00a02a !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #00a02a !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #00a02a !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #00a02a !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
February 9, 12 – 2 pm:
“Deeply Rooted: When the King Comes Home” (Watch here)
Panel: Radee Hammett and Michael Coard
February 16, 12 – 3 pm:
“Driving While Black: Race, Space and Mobility in America” (Watch at PBS.org)
Panel led by: Michael Coard
Register here to join the discussion
February 22, 12 – 3 pm:
“Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America” (Watch on Netflix)
Panel: Timothy Welbeck and Michael Coard
Register here to join the discussion
February 27, 12 – 1:30 pm:
“57 Blocks: a Defender Jawn”
Panel: Christina Tavares, Mary Archer, Radi Allah, Guy Lang and Michael Coard
Register here to join the discussion
February 28, 12 – 3 pm:
“Just Mercy” (Watch on HBO Max)
Panel: Michael Coard, Maleeka Jihad and Keisha Hudson
Register here to join the discussion[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Junior Defender Program
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1663263872869{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
About the Junior Defender Program
The Junior Defender Program coordinates with school administrators to reach out to students in neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system. The program provides these students with a foundational understanding of the youth justice system in Philadelphia.
We work alongside middle and high school students to develop age-appropriate and culturally responsive teaching materials that will improve our young clients’ understanding of youth justice system and court-ordered obligations.
The goal of the program is to reduce the impact of the school-to-prison pipeline, and instead build a pipeline of young people interested in pursuing careers dedicated to the legal defense of adjudicated youth.
The videos below are one of the ways we introduce students to the issues and topics discussed in our Junior Defender sessions: [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1663263795856{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1663263761326{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/j9Bc5FEYjZM” title=”Junior Defender: Intro Video”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/xWVLFqOOKmo” title=”Junior Defender: Treat Kids Like Kids!”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1663264338235{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #c0eefd !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
To learn more about the Junior Defender Program, Contact Guy Lang (glang@philadefender.org)
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Defender Statement on Conditions at JJSC
PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association of Philadelphia shares the serious concerns of City Council and our community partners about the unsafe conditions in the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center (JJSC).
“Conditions at the JJSC, where our young people are held pending resolution of their cases, are unsafe for the youth, the counselors who supervise the young people housed there, and the medical staff, attorneys, educators, and other supportive professionals who enter the facility every day to serve the children in the facility. Insufficient staffing and overpopulation has limited the children’s access to medical care and educational services, and contributed to multiple reports of assaults among those being held there.
“But simply transporting young people who are waiting for placements, without addressing the underlying needs of the detained population, will not improve the situation. As the legal representatives of many of these children, the Defender recommends that we:
- be more thoughtful about who is being sentenced to these placements – often located hours away from the young person’s home, school, and community;
- be more judicious in the use of the detention center to house children with pending charges or other alleged infractions;
- make sure we’re making the best use of the alternatives to detention, like GPS monitoring and reporting centers that are available; and finally,
- partner with community-based organizations here in Philadelphia to connect youth and their families with critically needed wraparound services.
“Many young people at the JJSC have been detained for periods that are longer than programs they would be sentenced to complete. They should be home, attending school, and receiving direct supports and services–not continuing to be exposed to ongoing traumas in an overcrowded and understaffed facility.”
# # #
Next Shop Talk: September 30 @ Philadelphia Hair Company
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1663785309387{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #263797 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Click here to Download & Share the Event Flyer
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1662905190885{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Don’t Miss Our Next Shop Talk Event: Pardon Us [God Did]
WHEN: Saturday, September 24 from 1 to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Philadelphia Hair Company, 5805 Germantown Avenue
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1662905190885{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Join us at the Philadelphia Hair Company for FREE community resources, support and information to help you navigate our criminal justice system:
-
Adult & Juvenile Criminal Record Expungements
-
Pardon application support for Marijuana Convictions
-
Information on the School-to-Prison Pipeline
-
And more!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1663785361690{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #263797 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Click here to Download & Share the Event Flyer
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Next Shop Talk: September 24 @ Wrights Barber Shop
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1662905834934{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #c0eefd !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Click here to Download & Share the Event Flyer
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1662905190885{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Don’t Miss Our Next Shop Talk Event: Pardon Us [God Did]
WHEN: Saturday, September 24 from 1 to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Wright’s Barber Shop, 1901 72nd Avenue
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1662905190885{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Join us at Wright’s Barbershop for FREE community resources, support and information to help you navigate our criminal justice system:
-
Adult & Juvenile Criminal Record Expungements
-
Pardon application support for Marijuana Convictions
-
Information on the School-to-Prison Pipeline
-
And more!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1662905834934{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #c0eefd !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Click here to Download & Share the Event Flyer
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Defender Association Selected for the Catalyst Grant Program
The Defender Association’s Police Accountability Unit has been selected by Urban Institute & Microsoft for the 2022 Catalyst Grant!
The Defender Association is one of 30 local organizations across the country selected to participate in the Program. With Catalyst Grant funding, the PAU will publish a data dashboard that will empower community members to understand racial disparities in car stops across Philadelphia.
The dashboard, which will be automatically updated with the most current data available, will illustrate the intensity of police activity in neighborhoods across the city and show disparities in police stops by race, gender, and age.
It will help policymakers, legal practitioners, and community members understand patterns in car stops since Philly’s Driving Equality law was enacted, identify policing trends and systemic issues across the city, and challenge the effective legality of racial profiling in car stops.
Click here to learn more about the 2022 Catalyst Grant Program
Expungement Event: July 31
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1658336562186{margin-bottom: 25px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”80637″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
The Defender is partnering with Cannabis Noire to provide FREE expungements and information as part of the “Summer of Social Justice” series!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1658336573495{margin-bottom: 25px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #c0eefd !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
WHEN: Saturday, July 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: One Art Community Center, 1431 N. 52nd Street
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1658336663458{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
All are welcome to join us for FREE criminal record expungements, educational workshops about how our justice system works, and MORE!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Expungement Event: July 23
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1658336562186{margin-bottom: 25px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The Defender is partnering with Cannabis Noire to provide FREE expungements and information as part of the “Summer of Social Justice” series!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1658336573495{margin-bottom: 25px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #c0eefd !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
WHEN: Saturday, July 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Discovery Center in Fairmount Park – 3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1658336663458{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
All are welcome to join us for FREE criminal record expungements, educational workshops about how our justice system works, and MORE!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Chief Defender Celebrates Budget Increase with City Council Members
PHILADELPHIA–Chief Defender Keisha Hudson was joined today by Councilmembers Kenyatta Johnson (Second District) and Maria Quiñones-Sanchez (Seventh District) for a press conference to celebrate the Defender Association’s $5.8 million budget increase in the new City of Philadelphia’s Fiscal Year 2023 Operating Budget, which started July 1. All of the funds from the budget increase will be used to raise salaries for Defender attorneys and non-attorney staff.
“We want to take this opportunity to thank City Council, particularly Councilmembers Johnson and Quiñones-Sanchez, for making this increase a reality,” said Hudson.
Hudson credited Councilmember Johnson for helping to secure much-needed City Council support for the increase. “At a time when we weren’t sure exactly how much City Council support we had for our budget increase,” she said, “It was Councilmember Johnson who took the lead in writing a support letter to the Mayor that was signed by 12 other members of City Council.”
Councilmember Johnson said his efforts to help secure the $5.8 million increase in funding were necessary to “guarantee a defendant’s right to effective assistance of counsel in order to increase the fairness and likelihood of justice ultimately being reached in a criminal justice system.”
“Our public defenders experienced unprecedented challenges throughout the past few years during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Johnson continued, “They have acted as first responders and continued to advocate for their defendants while putting their own lives at risk, never resting in the defense of their clients.”
Hudson also thanked Quiñones-Sanchez for her public statements in support of increased funding for the Defender Association, saying, “Councilmember Quiñones-Sanchez was one of the leaders who publicly called for us to receive more funding at a time when advocating for defendants isn’t the most popular stance to take. But she and others understand that an unbalanced justice system is not only unfair, but ineffective at bringing meaningful public safety to our city.”
Lauren Farrell is Deputy Director for Region 9 of the United Auto Workers, the union who represents attorneys at the Defender Association of Philadelphia. Farrell heralded the budget increase as a positive development as the Defender Association negotiates the first collective bargaining agreement with its attorneys.
“Attorneys in the Philadelphia Public Defender’s office formed their union with the UAW to make positive changes in the office in order to better serve their clients,” she said, “The increase to the budget allows them to achieve a fair, equitable contract with living wages that will promote longevity within the office, and ultimately aid in the quality of representation for the indigent of our city. “
Legal Clerk Dharuba Cherry, who has been with the Defender Association since 1990, said the increase represents an acknowledgement of the important work done by attorneys and non-attorneys alike.
“With or without a raise, I would still be a Defender for life,” Cherry said, “But knowing that our work is appreciated by our city leaders makes me even more proud and committed to the Defender Association.”
All of the participants in today’s press conference agreed that, while the budget increase is something to celebrate, more state funding is needed to ensure that public defenders across the Commonwealth have adequate resources.
“Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation that provides zero state funding for indigent defense and that forces local governments to pick up the tab,” said Johnson, “Every year, our city operating budget should reflect important values and fight for those most in need.”
# # #
Keisha Hudson on the Defender’s 2023 Budget Increase
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
City Council passed 2023 budget, which includes an additional $5.8 million for the Defender Association
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]PHILADELPHIA–“On behalf of the attorneys, staff and board of Defender Association of Philadelphia, I am extremely thrilled and grateful to City Council for voting on a budget that includes a $5.8 million increase to Philly’s public defenders.
“Pay equity for our attorneys and non-attorney staff has been my priority since becoming Chief Defender. Looking at the criminal justice landscape during a time of crisis, it is imperative that the Defender is able to recruit and retain the lawyers, social workers and admin staff that keep our system moving. It is extremely gratifying to know that our calls for pay equity with other city agencies were heard by City Council.
“I want to thank councilmembers Kenyatta Johnson and Maria Quiñones Sanchez for being the primary champions of our campaign to secure the additional funding, as well as the rest of City Council for their support. We also need to thank the dozens of community allies, activists, and family members of clients who lifted up our message on social media, testified, or called City Hall to advocate for more funding for our office. And finally, thanks to every Defender Association employee for sharing their stories and pictures, believing in and supporting our #FundPhillyDefenders campaign from the very beginning.
“Even without the additional funding, the Defender Association would have continued on our mission to provide high-quality legal representation to our clients, and work with Philly’s community leaders to make a fairer, more efficient justice system. But this budget increase will help us to hold on to our experienced team members and attract the best new talent to our organization. We are optimistic about the future of public defense in Philadelphia.”
# # #
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
May 24: Keisha Hudson’s PA Senate Testimony
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1653325368062{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
On May 24, 2022, Chief Defender Keisha Hudson testified before the PA Senate Judiciary Committee about juvenile justice legislation, as a result of the recommendations of the Juvenile Justice Task Force.
Her remarks to the Senate are below. You can also click here to download the full written testimony submitted for the record.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1653325378981{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thank you Madam Chair and esteemed members of the committee for inviting me to speak today.
Frederick Douglas once said that it is easier to build strong children than to heal broken men.
In my experience with the public defender offices in Philadelphia and Montgomery county, our current justice system is ill equipped to do either.
But if we implement the 35 specific recommendations made by the Juvenile Justice Task Force, we can change that – and help Pennsylvania build a safer, fairer, more efficient system of justice for young people.
The biggest obstacle to achieving a safe, fair, and efficient system of youth justice is under-resourced public defender offices.
Without robust representation by highly skilled and well-resourced attorneys, even the most progressive legislative reforms will be insufficient to create the changes we hope for.
As I’m sure Ms. Jacobson from PDAP will discuss, Pennsylvania is the only state that provides no state funding for its public defender offices. I’ve outlined my concerns with SB 1229 in my written testimony and encourage the committee to establish a baseline level of financial resources to ensure children across the Commonwealth have equal access to counsel.
Many of the other reforms proposed by the Task Force, which we hope to see introduced into legislation, will also enable public defender offices throughout the Commonwealth to use limited system resources more efficiently.
For example, we know that most young people outgrow the behaviors that first led to their justice system involvement. But continued and excessive entanglement with the courts actually interferes with normal adolescent development and drives many of our kids further into the system.
That’s why we need to expand and standardize opportunities for diversion and informal adjustment – so we are being more thoughtful about what children and behaviors actually warrant a harrowing and expensive justice system response.
This approach protects children and their families from unnecessary harms, expenses, and stress on the family unit.
It also reserves limited resources within defender offices and the courts for circumstances that actually require a more formal response.
For those children who require a more formal response, removal from their homes and communities should be the last resort.
Unfortunately, in Philadelphia, children serving probation for non-violent behaviors are too frequently sentenced to placements for technical violations of their probation – things like not following rules or coming home. It is devastating to families. It is also expensive. And it disproportionately impacts children of color – with 96% of the children sentenced to placements
I also must urge this committee to commit to introducing legislation that will require that all charges filed against young people to be handled in family court.
Current law prohibits the Commonwealth from filing charges in family court when a young person aged 15 or older is alleged to have committed one of a list of enumerated charges, and either has a prior history of delinquency or uses a weapon.
The Commonwealth has no discretion and in those circumstances the cases must be filed in adult criminal court. The young people, and their attorneys, must then present evidence to the court as to why they should be treated as kids.
The majority of these cases (60%) are dismissed, withdrawn, or returned to family court. But at great cost to children, their families, and taxpayers.
Initiating cases in family court will not prevent the Commonwealth from seeking adult prosecution, when appropriate. But it will create a more efficient process – requiring the Commonwealth to review the cases thoroughly on the front end and enabling specially trained family court judges to determine whether the court should relinquish jurisdiction to the adult system.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1653325425370{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #0061b9 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of the leaders of Philadelphia’s Youth Participatory Defense Hub is all too familiar with this process. Her name is My Lee and she is 22 years old.
This is her story (watch the video below to hear My’s story in her own words and voice)[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/RxjGWcmu4bE”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Letter: City Council Support for Budget Increase
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thanks to City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson for putting together this letter in support of the Defender’s request for a $5.8 million budget increase. Also thanks to the 12 additional Councilmembers who signed the letter:
- Jamie Gauthier (3rd District)
- Maria Quinones-Sanchez (7th District)
- Isaiah Thomas (At Large)
- Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th District)
- Mark Squilla (1st District)
- Helen Gym (At Large)
- Cindy Bass (8th District)
- Cherrelle Parker (9th District)
- Derek Greene (At Large)
- Allan Domb (At Large)
- Kendra Brooks (At Large)
- Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At Large)
Read the full text of the letter below, or download it here[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1651849253008{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Full text of the letter from City Council:
Mayor James F. Kenney
City of Philadelphia
Re: The Defender Association of Philadelphia FY23 budget increase
Dear Mayor Kenney,
We believe that the FY23 budget should include a $5.8 million increase for the Defender Association of Philadelphia. The Sixth Amendment guarantees a defendant’s right to effective assistance of counsel in order to increase the fairness and likelihood of justice ultimately being reached in a criminal justice system. Our public defenders experienced unprecedented challenges throughout the past few years during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have acted as first responders and continued to advocate for their defendants while putting their own lives at risk, never resting in the defense of their clients.
The Defender Association is asking for a $5.8 million budget increase that would allow the ability to pay their non-legal staff a living wage and would allow them to attract and retain well qualified attorneys. $3.8 million would be allocated for salary increases for the non-attorney and administrative staff. Currently 45% of the non-legal staff earn less than $40,000, which leaves many having to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. The proposal would allow for a salary increase to a livable wage of $40,000, which is in line with the pay of other comparable cities.
The remaining $2 million would be allocated for increased pay for attorneys to allow the Defender’s Association to become more competitive with their hiring. Private legal employers aggressively recruit with salary increases and signing bonuses, which increases the difficulty of recruitment. There is also a struggle to competitively recruit applicants from the same pool as the District Attorney’s office is due to the fact that the Defenders Association is only able to offer 89 cents to their dollar. The proposed increases in pay are beneficial retention strategies that would allow for hardworking staff and attorneys to be fairly compensated and would allow the Defender’s Association to continue to hire qualified individuals.
Pennsylvania is the only state that doesn’t provide state funding for public defenders, making the funding we provide vital for many Philadelphians who find themselves enmeshed with the criminal justice system. A lack of resources can lead to an unfair fight and leaves low-income defendants who are represented by overburdened public defenders more likely to be wrongfully convicted or receive longer sentences.
As a city, if we truly believe that Black Lives Matter then we should have a budget that reflects those values and fights for those most in need. We believe that the Defender Association of Philadelphia should receive a $5.8 million increase in their FY23 budget so that they can continue working to protect our citizen’s constitutional rights.
Yours sincerely,[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1651849243274{margin-top: 20px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District)
Jamie Gauthier (3rd District)
Maria Quinones-Sanchez (7th District)
Isaiah Thomas (At Large)
Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th District)
Mark Squilla (1st District)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Helen Gym (At Large)
Cindy Bass (8th District)
Cherrelle Parker (9th District)
Derek Greene (At Large)
Allan Domb (At Large)
Kendra Brooks (At Large)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Next Shop Talk: May 6, 2022
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1651234628651{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
WHEN: Friday, May 6 from 2-6 p.m.
WHERE: Glocawear Radio/The Gloc Shop, 4933 Old York Road
We’re teaming up with Philly’s #1 internet radio station and our community partners for our next Shop Talk event, featuring:
Expungement Clinics
Community voices: Open criminal justice system discussion
Trainings and workshops
FREE food from Victoria’s Kitchen
Music playlist by Tucann
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1651234765381{margin-top: 30px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #58cbbd !important;}”][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Next Shop Talk: April 20, 2022
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1649427671985{margin-bottom: 25px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Join us from 3-6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20 at
Mike’s Raw Cutz, 5640 Chew Avenue
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1649427656111{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #c0eefd !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’re back and in-person to provide the community with FREE legal workshops and information:
- “Know Your Rights: What to do When You Come Into Contact with Law Enforcement”
- “Expungement: What is it, and How Will it Impact Me?”
- “Know Your Statutes: PWID – Possession with Intent to Distribute”
Plus:
- Information and giveaways from our community partners
- FREE food from Victoria’s Kitchen!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1649427937679{margin-top: 20px !important;background-color: #263797 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]For more information, contact Guy Lang: glang@philadefender.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Keisha Hudson on “Shortchanging” Public Defender Budget
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Not providing the Defender Association with the requested budget increase will shortchange everyone who relies on a fair and efficient justice system.
PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association of Philadelphia is extremely dismayed that the Mayor’s proposed budget does not include any increase to Defender’s budget or value the services we provide to the community.
“At a time when the number of court cases is on the rise, our office was hoping to be able to provide needed salary increases to give us parity with other city agencies, and help us attract and retain more attorneys and non-legal staff.
“This is an issue of fairness and efficiency. The Defender’s administrative staff is paid much less on average than their counterparts in just about every other City of Philadelphia agency. Many of our staff members have told us they need to take second jobs to make ends meet.
“The inherent unfairness of paying predominantly Black and Brown employees less than any other agency or office speaks for itself. But it’s particularly galling when we know that nearly every city agency received increases under the Mayor’s budget proposal, and many of these increases are significant.
“Like our attorneys, our administrative and support staff are critical to the Defender’s ability to process cases and provide the best possible representation for our clients. The low wages and increasing workload are driving staff and attorney attrition in our office, and are an impediment to hiring replacements when they leave us to work at other agencies or companies. That’s why addressing pay parity has been a top priority as we negotiate our first collective bargaining agreement with the union representing our attorneys.
“The economic injustice for our staff is compounded by the impact on our justice system. A Defender office that can’t adequately keep pace with the increasing court cases will bog down our courts. It leads to more people languishing in jail waiting for their trials, which contributes to the existing social and economic crises for their families and communities. These conditions only contribute to the violence and public safety crisis that Philadelphia is currently experiencing.
“In the coming days, we will continue to publicly and privately advocate for the funding increase we requested in our budget submission to the City. We will continue to fight for parity for our attorneys and staff. And we will continue to argue that failure to adequately fund the Defender Association not only impacts our clients, but everyone who counts on our judicial system to fairly and efficiently dispense justice.”
# # #
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Watch: Philly Defenders talk Probation Reform
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Defender’s Kate Parker (Policy Director) and Byron Cotter (Director, Alternative Sentencing) spoke with Dolly Prabhu (Abolitionist Law Center) and Andy Hover (ACLU-PA) about the problems with PA’s probation system, and how fixing it will make our communities safer. Watch the full video below.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1648497687009{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjIxMjgwJTIyJTIwaGVpZ2h0JTNEJTIyNzIwJTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20lMkZlbWJlZCUyRlVYb0pGZ2llS2w4JTIyJTIwdGl0bGUlM0QlMjJZb3VUdWJlJTIwdmlkZW8lMjBwbGF5ZXIlMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmFjY2VsZXJvbWV0ZXIlM0IlMjBhdXRvcGxheSUzQiUyMGNsaXBib2FyZC13cml0ZSUzQiUyMGVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUzQiUyMGd5cm9zY29wZSUzQiUyMHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRSUzQyUyRmNlbnRlciUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Feb. 24: Defender Testimony on PA Sentencing Guideline Proposals
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1645719737897{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #263797 !important;}”]On February 24, 2022, Chief Defender Keisha Hudson testified before the PA Sentencing Commission with recommendations on the Commission’s proposed updates to sentencing guidelines.
Read the full testimony below, or download it here
Click here to download the supplemental document: Proposed OGS mitigating factors[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1645720075520{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]On behalf of the Defender Association of Philadelphia, I want to thank the PA Sentencing Commission for convening this series of hearings on the new proposed sentencing guidelines.
As the largest criminal defense law firm in the Commonwealth, the Defender has a practitioner’s understanding of how changes to sentencing guidelines impact people accused of crimes in Philadelphia. We’re very happy to share our perspectives with you this morning.
Defender’s Overall Read on the Sentencing Guidelines
Currently, the courts use a sentencing matrix based on 2 factors:
- An Offense Gravity (OG) score designed to measure the seriousness of the offense; and
- A Prior Record (PR) score, or accounting of the accused’s previous number and types of convictions
These guidelines are not binding on the court, and they provide a range that judges can use to guide their sentencing decisions. Judges aren’t required to follow it – but if they choose to, following the guidelines likely puts them on safer legal ground if the sentence is appealed.
The proposed guidelines make some substantial changes to the recommended sentences for judges to impose. We think that many of these have the potential to be positive, and we commend the Commission’s efforts to mitigate the racial disparities that have been created when our system uses past criminal convictions to trigger enhanced sentencing.
However, we also want to urge the Commission to ensure that the more equitable outcomes we all seek are not diminished by potential exceptions or refinements to these rules. For example, it is essential that periods of incarceration do not toll or interrupt the periods of time calculated as ‘crime free’ for lapsing convictions.
We would like to highlight some areas that do concern us as direct practitioners. Notably, the overwhelmingly majority of the sentencing options call for a custodial sentence and not for restorative sanctions and many of the circumstances for which restorative sanctions are recommended are unlikely to occur in our practice.
Offenses with low OG scores of 2—like tampering with Kosher food or burning a flag—are charges rarely, if ever, seen in Philadelphia. Notably, we didn’t see any offenses designated as a “1,” and recommend that some offenses should be assigned to the lowest possible score. We would also recommend that the section that includes restorative sanctions recommendations be expanded.
Concerns with Offense Gravity Scores
Expanding the number of OG scores and consolidating the number of PR scores effectively narrows the range of recommended sentences on the grid. Additionally, the range by which the sentence may be impacted by aggravating and mitigating factors (the plus/minus on the right side of the matrix) is also much smaller. This may limit the effect of mitigating information presented by Defenders on the client’s actual sentence since the range of sentences the courts may impose, while still remaining within the recommended guidelines, is smaller.
We’re also concerned that, while there is substantial opportunity for aggravating factors to enhance the OG scores, there are not equal opportunities for mitigating factors to reduce the OGS. In fact, the only two factors courts can consider in reducing the gravity of the offense are not related to the circumstances or nature of the offense, but to the defendant’s acceptance of a plea or willingness to cooperate with law enforcement.
To address this inequity, the Defender proposes incorporating a list of 12 factors that will help to ensure the OG score reflects the unique circumstances presented by the facts of the case and the individual appearing before the Court for sentencing.
We have attached all 12 factors to our testimony, and won’t read through them all here, but they include factors like:
- The defendant’s conduct neither caused nor threatened serious harm (-1);
- There were substantial grounds tending to excuse or justify the defendant’s conduct, though failing to establish a defense (-2); and
- The defendant has no history of prior delinquency or criminal activity or has led a law-abiding life for a substantial period of time before the commission of the present offense (-2)
We’re also concerned about the OG score enhancement that arises from association with a criminal gang.
- The definition of a criminal gang is overwhelmingly broad and presents real challenges for our clients and the communities they represent.
- For example: since drug distribution, by definition, frequently involves 3 or more persons, this provision could inadvertently be used to enhance the gravity score for every type of drug case.
- While we recommend removing this provision altogether, we would at least urge the commission to adopt a more specific definition to trigger the gang affiliation enhancement.
We are equally troubled that some sentencing enhancements are already elements of the underlying offense, which raises the very real concern that without specific limiting language, they will be double counted. Similarly, we urge the Commission to include language that prohibits the ‘stacking’ of multiple aggravating factors to enhance the OGS.
PR Score Concerns
We would like to point out that, while aggregating the PR score will likely benefit clients with longer or more serious records, it is also likely to result in harsher treatment for clients with less serious, but perhaps more frequent, contacts with the justice system. Specifically, it’s too easy for the accused to be considered a “medium” for prior record calculations. This is particularly true for clients with a history of substance use or mental health issues.
We urge the Commission to allow for greater differentiation so that one prior conviction for felony shoplifting isn’t treated the same way as one prior conviction for felony rape under the guidelines.
We also urge the Commission to keep repeat instances for possessory offenses, retail theft, and thefts under an F2 as a low offender for PR score.
Conclusion
Once again, I want to thank the Sentencing Commission for undertaking these public hearings to address these serious and complex issues, and for including the Defender Association in this collaborative and thoughtful process.
I invite and encourage you to reach out to our office if you want to further discuss any of the topics I mentioned here or have any additional questions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Full Video: “Rage of Innocence” Webinar
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1644277270473{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #000000 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Watch the full video from our Feb. 17 Webinar with Chief Defender Keisha Hudson and Professor Kristin Henning!
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/DjgSBBDQKa0″ el_width=”90″ align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1644277087522{background-color: #ffde59 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Thursday, February 17:
Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth.
Join us via Zoom on February 17 for a timely and important discussion of our criminal justice system as Chief Defender Keisha Hudson speaks with Georgetown Law Professor Kristin Henning. They’ll be discussing Professor Henning’s book, Rage of Innocence-How America Criminalizes Black Youth.
Read more about Professor Hennings’s book here
Learn more about Kristin Henning here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Full Video: MLK Day Shop Talk!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Watch the Full Video of our MLK Day Shop Talk event!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/NIXZh4z9wDk” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
MLK Day Shop Talk Workshops & Highlights:
- Criminal Record Expungement Information Provided by the Defender Association
- “School Discipline 101 for Students and Parents” Presented by Ashli Giles-Perkins, Esq., Education Law Center-PA
- “Critical Race Theory for Students” Presented by Shyann V. Gales-Poland, Esq.
- “Collective Resistance Through Hip Hop” Presented by Michael Coard, Esq. Nat Turner Law School
ALSO: Our partners, Victoria’s Kitchen and Sicklerville Soul provided FREE meals for Shop Talk attendees!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Interview: Keisha Hudson on WHYY
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
On January 4, 2022, Keisha Hudson talked to WHYY’s Cherri Gregg about her role as Chief Defender and the fight for a fairer justice system.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Keisha Hudson on WURD – December 13, 2021
On December 13, Chief Defender Keisha Hudson talked with WURD’s Andrea Lawful Sanders about her new role and vision for the Defender. Click below to listen
Defender Files Amicus Brief: Scott v. PA Board of Probation & Parole
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The Defender Association of Philadelphia has filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiff in Scott v. PA Board of Probation and Parole. The lawsuit, filed in July 2020 by the Abolitionist Law Center, Amistad Law Project, and the Center for Constitutional Rights, is the first case of its kind in the country. It argues that mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole for those who did not kill or intend to kill do not serve any legitimate governmental interest and are illegally cruel under the Pennsylvania Constitution.
The suit was brought by six people serving mandatory life without parole (LWOP). The six individuals are serving LWOP and are denied the possibility for parole due to their convictions for felony murder, even though they themselves did not kill anyone or intend to kill anyone.
The felony murder rule, which exists in forty-four states, holds a person liable for murder if the person participates in a felony that leads to a death, even if the person plays no direct role in the death or does not intend or anticipate it. In Pennsylvania, people found guilty are automatically sentenced to life, and a separate provision of state law prohibits parole eligibility for anyone serving life.
The Defender Association’s amicus brief highlights how paroled juvenile lifers, released after the U.S. Supreme Court decisions held their incarcerations to be unconstitutional, are positively contributing to the community. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will now decide if the lawsuit may proceed.
Read the Defender’s Amicus Brief here.
Additional Info:
After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to sentence youth to mandatory life without parole, 541 individuals serving juvenile LWOP became entitled to a new sentencing hearing, with Philadelphia having the largest group of children (325) serving mandatory LWOP. The Defender devised a three-year plan, worked side by side with court administration, City Council, the DA’s Office, and numerous legal organizations and private firms across the region. The Defender represented 75 percent of Philadelphia’s cases and trained and supported pro bono counsel to handle the remaining 25 percent. Across the Commonwealth to date, 469 former children sentenced to LWOP have been resentenced and 248 released.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Alan Tauber on Worsening Conditions in Philly’s Jails
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association of Philadelphia stands with the families of the incarcerated, prison employees, activists and concerned community members in decrying the continued deterioration of conditions in our city’s jails.
“The unsafe conditions are the direct result of personnel shortages exacerbated by the pandemic. The only way to increase the safety for the incarcerated and take some of the pressure off prison employees is to safely reduce the prison population.
“To that end, we’ve been working closely with our justice system partners to create a new court program involving pretrial release. We’ve made significant progress, and hope to implement this program soon. Our office continues to work to secure release for individual clients. Anyone who has a loved one who is incarcerated should reach out to our office and speak with an attorney so we can present the best argument possible on their behalf.
“In the meantime, we need to move with a sense of urgency to not only address the health and safety hazards created by prison overcrowding, but also protect the health and wellbeing of the people and communities we serve. This means working closely with community leaders–particularly from those neighborhoods most impacted by both community violence and incarceration–to find solutions to the root causes of crime.
“We must also continue to build on established partnerships between criminal justice system stakeholders, activists, and advocates to explore community-driven alternatives to detention that promote equity and safety. This includes ensuring people who can be safely released from the jail have access to safe and affordable housing.
“Our work to reunify people with families and communities as we improve conditions in our jails must go hand-in-hand with programs and initiatives that provide brighter futures for the incarcerated and the neighborhoods they return to.”
# # #
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Alan Tauber on Passage of “Driving Equality” Bill
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1634227478548{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”]
City Council passed the “Driving Equality” bill, which aims to reduce the vast racial disparity in motor vehicle stops by police
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association of Philadelphia applauds City Council for passing the groundbreaking and data-driven ‘Driving Equality’ legislation. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas’s bill, which aims to reduce the vast racial disparities in motor vehicle stops by police, is a great first step to building more trust between our police and communities of color. Moreover, it is a bill that will allow law enforcement to divert more resources toward matters that directly impact public safety.
“The Defender is honored to have had the opportunity to work closely with Councilmember Thomas, and other justice system stakeholders to help shape elements of this bill. We also thank Councilmembers Kenyatta Johnson, Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Jamie Gauthier, Kendra Brooks, Maria Quiñones Sánchez, Cherrelle Parker, Curtis Jones and Allan Domb for their leadership in advancing such a pivotal piece of legislation.
“We’re hopeful that passage of the ‘Driving Equality’ bill is just the beginning of informed and meaningful conversations about positive changes to our justice system that will benefit all Philadelphians.”
# # #
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
“Back on Track” Program
[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]From September 20th thorough September 24th, attorneys from the Defender Association of Philadelphia and private defense bar will be posted in the lobby of the Juanita Kidd Stout Criminal Justice Center (1301 Filbert St.) to help people with open criminal cases learn their next court date, receive service for their next court date, and/or address certain bench warrants for arrest though an expedited hearing process.
People with open criminal cases who aren’t sure their next court date or are concerned they might have already missed a date are encouraged to connect with defense counsel participating in the First Judicial District’s Back on Track Initiative. People with open criminal cases who aren’t sure their next court date or are concerned they might have already missed a date are encouraged to connect with defense counsel participating in the First Judicial District’s Back on Track Initiative.
This program is not intended for people who might have violated conditions of parole, or supervised release, or who are wanted for arrest outside of Philadelphia County.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1631736910316{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”28035″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_empty_space height=”16″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1631813675508{background-color: #ffffcc !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Related News Stories about “Back on Track”
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
If you are eligible for support from the Back on Track Initiative but aren’t able to come to the Stout Center between Sept. 20-24, call 215-683-7004, 215-683-7005, 215-683-7006, or go to https://www.courts.phila.gov/criminalcalendar/name/ to find your next court date.
You can also find helpful information on the Defender’s Court Status page.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Alan Tauber on Philly Prison Conditions
PHILADELPHIA–“The incidents occurring behind our prison walls are tragic and unacceptable, but unfortunately, not surprising.
“For over a year, the Defender has been outspoken about the need to address conditions in Philly’s prisons. Since last summer, the population has swelled by 20 percent which has not been matched with needed staff. As a result, health and safety conditions continue to decline for detainees and prison employees alike. We simply must act with more urgency to come up with solutions to alleviate these problems.
“We have proven that the population can be safely and responsibly lowered to below 4,000. The release program we instituted last year led to millions in savings for the city, the closure of a county jail, and the availability of extra correctional officers at the remaining facilities. We need to return to this initiative immediately.”
# # #
Empowering Communities
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Click the links below to learn more about our efforts to partner with community organizations and improve outcomes for justice-involved people.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_column width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Social Services” main_heading_color=”#1e73be” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:15px;” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”]Defenders connect clients to community-based services and supports from the beginning stages of the criminal justice process.
[/ultimate_heading][dt_button link=”https://2010dev.devtest.center/social-services” button_alignment=”center”]LEARN MORE[/dt_button][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Participatory Defense” main_heading_color=”#1e73be” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:15px;” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”]Participatory defense hubs utilize trained community volunteers to provide insight, perspective, and support to those being charged and their families as they navigate the justice system.
[/ultimate_heading][dt_button link=”https://2010dev.devtest.center/participatorydefense” button_alignment=”center”]LEARN MORE[/dt_button][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Pre-entry Coalition” main_heading_color=”#1e73be” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:15px;” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”]With our community partners, we have developed a blueprint for a pre-trial system that protects due process, and prioritizes community-based supports over cash bail to create a fair, cost-effective system that improves the safety of our communities.
[/ultimate_heading][dt_button link=”https://2010dev.devtest.center/pre-entry-coalition” button_alignment=”center”]LEARN MORE[/dt_button][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Restorative Response Program” main_heading_color=”#1e73be” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:15px;” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”]The Restorative Response Program draws on the tenets of Restorative Justice and emphasizes community re-engagement over criminal punishment
[/ultimate_heading][dt_button link=”https://2010dev.devtest.center/rr” button_alignment=”center”]LEARN MORE[/dt_button][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For questions or additional information about community partnerships, contact Kavita Goyal: KGoyal@philadefender.org
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]Restorative Response Days
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
TAKE PART IN OUR RESTORATIVE RESPONSE DAYS!
During Restorative Response Days, you can complete your 8 hours within one or two days with one of our trusted community partners!
Scroll the list below or click here to download a printable list of community partners who are looking forward to working with you!
Questions? Email Kavita Goyal: kgoyal@philadefender.org
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][dt_button link=”https://2010dev.devtest.center/rr” target_blank=”true” button_alignment=”center” size=”big”]CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE RESTORATIVE RESPONSE PROGRAM[/dt_button][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZkb2NzLmdvb2dsZS5jb20lMkZkb2N1bWVudCUyRmQlMkZlJTJGMlBBQ1gtMXZTQUlmckVyY2t1dGppel84MEhDbjZtRUR5a3IxZ21sR1BnTXVhN3FabEc3Zm5wcE8xbVFQcE9WU0lLNjluclg5Y0MzWGRsM0tuSmxueUQlMkZwdWIlM0ZlbWJlZGRlZCUzRHRydWUlMjIlMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjEwMDAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIxNDAwJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNFJTNDJTJGY2VudGVyJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Acting Chief Defender Alan Tauber on Derek Chauvin Murder Trial Verdict
PHILADELPHIA–“There are numerous lessons to be drawn from the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, not the least of which is the need to enact reforms that greatly reduce unnecessary, often deadly interactions between the police and people of color.
“As public defenders that primarily serve Black and Brown communities, we see many of our clients needlessly confronted and detained by police officers for minor offenses that aren’t considered criminal when they occur in white neighborhoods. Further damage is inflicted by a justice system that is too quick to accept the testimony of police officers and repeatedly fails to hold police officers to a higher level of accountability to communities.
“Justice can’t be served unless we closely evaluate and rethink the role of police in public safety, and work alongside community members to develop and implement fair and effective justice system practices that ensure equal treatment for every citizen.”
# # #
City Council Resolution Honoring Keir Bradford-Grey
The following resolution was introduced in Philadelphia City Council by Councilmember Curtis Jones on April 8, 2021:
RESOLUTION
Recognizing and honoring Keir Bradford-Grey for her astounding, impactful and incomparable
service to the City and its citizens as Chief Defender of the Defender Association of Philadelphia
and congratulating her on her new role as Partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads
LLP.
WHEREAS, Chief Defender Keir Bradford-Grey has devoted 21 years of her life and legal
career to indigent defense by her diligent and compassionate efforts to secure just and fair
outcomes for people involved with the criminal legal system; and
WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey began her distinguished career in indigent defense at
the Defender Association of Philadelphia in 1999, following her graduation from Ohio Northern
University—Claude W. Pettit College of Law; and
WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey continued her career in indigent legal defense in
2008 at the Delaware Federal Public Defender’s office, before returning to Pennsylvania in 2012
to serve as the first African American and second woman Chief Defender in Montgomery
County; and
WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey returned to the Defender Association of
Philadelphia in 2015 when she was selected to lead the office as Chief Defender – the first
African American woman to serve in the role; and
WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey has worked tirelessly in her role to improve the
quality of justice for all Philadelphians by bringing a client-centered indigent defense model to
the city; establishing and building meaningful partnerships with the community, empowering
individuals, families and neighborhoods to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves
at every justice system decision point; and bringing her “Know Your Systems” training and
education program to community centers and barber shops throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey introduced Participatory Defense, a dynamic
community-organized criminal justice reform model to Pennsylvania, and facilitated the
establishment of eight Participatory Defense Hubs, including the nation’s first Youth Hub,
throughout the city of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey has been at the forefront of police accountability
and transparency, establishing and assigning dedicated staff and resources for the Police
Accountability Unit at the Defender Association of Philadelphia and serving as an invaluable
resource on the Task Force on Police Reform; and
WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey’s passionate commitment to racial equity led her to
envision and launch a reasonable alternative to the cash bail system that ends wealth-based
detention while also improving clients’ case and life outcomes. Her vision, the Pre-Entry
Partnership, is a first in the nation network of community-based social service organizations that
provide arrested people with support they need to address the root causes of behaviors that lead
to justice system involvement; and
WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey, her leadership team, the staff she oversees and the
Pre-Entry Partnership were steadfast and vigorous in their leadership throughout the COVID-19
crisis, overseeing an effort to safely secure release for over 1,200 Philadelphians incarcerated in
the Spring of 2020; and
WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey has been a national and statewide leader in criminal
justice reform serving as President of the American Council of Chief Defenders and on the
Governor’s Task Force to eliminate racial disparities in the system; and
WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey has served as an incomparable resource for City
Council, as Co-Chair of the Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform, and as champion for
the communities she serves; and
WHEREAS, Chief Bradford-Grey will step down from her position as Chief Defender of the
Defender Association of Philadelphia on April 15, 2021, to begin a new legal path as a Partner at
the Center City law firm, Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP, where she will
continue her commitment to criminal justice reform by bridging more private-public
partnerships; Now, therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby
recognizes and honors Keir Bradford-Grey for her astounding, impactful and incomparable service
to the City as Chief Defender of the Defender Association of Philadelphia, and congratulate her
on becoming a Partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads’ law firm, and wishes her
the very best and continued success in her legal career and all future endeavors.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Keir
Bradford-Grey as evidence of the sincere respect, admiration and appreciation of this legislative
body.
Introduced By:
Curtis Jones, Jr.
Councilmember – 4th District
April 8, 2021
Restorative Response Program
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1629824139227{background-color: #eeee22 !important;}”][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”LEARN ABOUT RESTORATIVE RESPONSE DAYS”]
During our special Community Engagement Week, you can complete your 8 hours within one or two days with one of our trusted community partners! Click here for more info.
[/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1616432945721{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;border-left-color: #1e73be !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #1e73be !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #1e73be !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #1e73be !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
What is the Restorative Response Program?
Following the deaths of George Floyd and Walter Wallace, Philadelphia saw both widespread protest and significant civil unrest. The Restorative Response Program was established to create an alternative path to resolve approximately 700 of the arrests which occurred during this period. This program draws on the tenets of Restorative Justice and emphasizes community re-engagement over criminal punishment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Who Is Eligible?
Most people arrested in connection to the civil unrest which took place between 5/31-6/12 and 10/27-11/1 are eligible if they are accused of non-violent offenses. Eligible Defender Association clients will be contacted by mail and by phone.
If you believe you or a loved one is eligible, but have not heard from an attorney please email restorativejustice@philadefender.org or call 267-765-5045 and leave a message with:
- your name
- date of birth
- address
- phone number
- email address
An attorney will contact you promptly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1616424856204{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What Is the Process?
Step 1: Participants MUST COMPLETE a two-hour Educational Session to begin the program.
Step 2: Participants MUST SIGN the Restorative Response Program Acceptance Form found here. Forms can be returned by mail, email, or to the Defender drop box (located at 1441 Sansom Street, open M-F 9:00 am – 4:00 pm).
Step 3: Once you have completed the 2-hour education session listed in Step 1, please choose a community re-engagement opportunity to complete 8-hours of programs. Participants MUST COMPLETE 8 additional hours of programming through one of the Community Re-engagement Opportunities listed below or through an approved outside organization.
Here is a timesheet for participants to use for tracking completed session hours.
Step 4: The Defender Association will provide the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office with proof of completion. At the next court date (which will be held remotely and attended by attorneys only unless COVID protocols change), all charges will be dismissed and the case will be withdrawn.
Step 5: The Defender Association will ask the court to expunge the case from the participant’s record free of charge. Fill out the Expungement Interview request form here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
What Will It Cost?
Participants who successfully complete the program will have all their court fines and costs waived. Determinations about restitution have not yet been in the majority of cases. It is possible the Commonwealth will request restitution from some individuals. An attorney from the Defender will reach out to you to address any restitution issues if they arise.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1616426598707{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
[ps2id id=’education-session’ target=”/] Step 1: Educational Session Sign Up
All Participants MUST COMPLETE a 2-hour educational session (either virtual OR in-person) before moving forward in the program. Sign up for any one of the sessions below.
If you have already completed the 2-hour educational session with Rev Donna Jones, Tara, and Kavita, skip this and please go down to the next step (Community Re-engagement Opportunities)[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
Restorative Response Program Virtual Education Sessions:
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” gap=”20″ disable_element=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][dt_button link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/restorative-response-education-session-august-12-tickets-161714647865″ target_blank=”true” button_alignment=”center”]Thursday, August 12 – 2 to 4 p.m.[/dt_button][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][dt_button link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/restorative-response-education-session-august-19-tickets-161715259695″ target_blank=”true” button_alignment=”center”]Thursday, August 19 – 6 to 8 p.m.[/dt_button][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1621973105132{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
In-person Sessions:
Saturday May 22, 10am – 12pm (West Philly):
Malcolm X Park, 51st & Pine Streets
[/vc_column_text][dt_button link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/restorative-response-education-west-philly-may-22-tickets-150262494165″ target_blank=”true” button_alignment=”center”]Register Here[/dt_button][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
[ps2id id=’community-opportunity’ target=”/] Step 3: Community Re-engagement Opportunities
Once you have completed the 2-hour education session listed in Step 1, please choose a community re-engagement opportunity to complete 8-hours of programs.
Click on the category name to see a list of organizations and opportunities. You can also download a printable directory of organizations and re-engagement opportunities here.
As you complete your community re-engagement activities, track your hours using this timesheet. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row”][vc_column][vc_tta_tour shape=”square” color=”blue” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section i_type=”typicons” i_icon_typicons=”typcn typcn-group-outline” add_icon=”true” title=”Restorative Justice Training & Circles” tab_id=”1616788284712-65b3c6a7-e87b”][vc_column_text]MCCP Restorative Cities Initiative – Restorative Justice Training & Circles (6 hours) + 2 Circles (2 hours) = 8 hours total
Location: In-person, at various locations around the city
Contact:
Terry King
609-923-5419
info@mccpphilly.org
Time: Trainings are held 9 AM – 4 PM (6 hour day with 1-hour lunch break)
Once you have completed this training, you will sign up for 2 additional hours of Restorative Justice circles to complete your requirements for your case.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-child” add_icon=”true” title=”Parenting Support/Classes” tab_id=”1616788284782-3e2ded19-af19″][vc_column_text]Dear Black Fathers – Support Group for Fathers
Location: Virtual
Contact: Mabari Byrd, dearblackfathers@gmail.com
Dear Black Fathers – Math group for parents supporting children in grades K-8
Location: Virtual
Contact: Mabari Byrd, dearblackfathers@gmail.com
IDAAY – Young Fathers United parenting program (with stipend)
Location: 2305 North Broad St. 19132
Contact: Archye Leacock, aleacock@idaay.org, 215-901-6976
Maternity Care Coalition – Parenting class for parents with children under 5
Location: Virtual
Contact: Marci Mathew, mmathew@maternitycarecoalition.org, 267-773-5119
.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-users” add_icon=”true” title=”Mentoring/Peer Support Groups” tab_id=”1616788630245-5b6f4668-09b3″][vc_column_text]Broad Street Ministry – Peer Support Group
Location: 315 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Contact: Michael McKee, michael@broadstreetministry.org, 215-735-4847 ext 116
Institute for Community Justice @ Phila Fight – Peer Support through Mannup program
Location: 1207 Chestnut St., 2nd floor Philadelphia, PA 19107
Contact: Mike Butler, mbutler@fight.org
Frontline Dads – Mentoring
Location: 410 N 34th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Contact: Reuben Jones, frontlinedads@aol.com
Mothers In Charge – Mentoring Program
Location: 2839 W. Girard Ave. 1st Floor, 19130
Contact: Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight, momsforpeace@aol.com
New Leash on Life – Life Skills/Career Readiness/Restorative Justice workshop (6 hours) + access to Community Free Pet Food Pantry
Location: 4326 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA. 19124
Time: Mondays 9am-3pm, June 21-September 21
Pet food Pantry: every 3rd Monday of each month 10am-11am.
Contact: rob@newleashonlife-usa.org and jenna@newleashonlife-usa.org or sign up here: https://www.newleashonlife-usa.org/ under the “GET INVOLVED” section.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-handshake-o” add_icon=”true” title=”Employment & Education Support” tab_id=”1617371705939-3b9e0525-69ad”][vc_column_text]Impact Services – employment support, including work readiness workshops, job referrals, vocational training (such as automotive, construction, and HVAC), connection with benefits, and access to other resources
Location: Could be virtual or in-person in Kensington, based on specific interests
Contact: Pending (Please check back)
Impact Services – training in real estate development and creation of generational wealth
Location: Kensington area
Contact: Jon Arrieta, jarrieta@impactservices.org
Impact Services Launch Code program – computer coding apprenticeship for adults – Starts in June
Location: Pending
Contact: Pending (Please check back)
E3 (Employment, Empowerment, and Education) – Professional Boot Camp, including resume workshop, job application/job referral support, and possible professional certifications
Location: Virtual
Contact: Jamier Jones, jamier.jones@temple.edu
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-life-ring” add_icon=”true” title=”Trauma Support” tab_id=”1616788769270-7d99a731-bb17″][vc_column_text]Sankofa Healing Studio – Trauma specific group therapy
Location: virtual
Contact: Jacqui Johnson, therapy@SankofaHealingStudio.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-apple” add_icon=”true” title=”Food/Clothing Distribution” tab_id=”1616789147380-419bebef-4739″][vc_column_text]Chosen 300 – Food distribution
Location: 3959 Lancaster Ave Philadelphia, PA 19104 OR 1116 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19123
Time: see link here
Contact: Brian Jenkins, brianjenkins@chosen300.org
Hope 4 Every Living Person – Food distribution
Location: Victory Outreach Church 735 Westmoreland St. PA 19134
Time: Wed 11am-4pm
Contact: Contact: Pastor Joseph Bishop, pastorjoseph@hope4everylivingperson.org, 267-339-4190
IDAAY – Food distribution (must be able to lift 30 lbs)
Location: 2305 North Broad St. 19132
Time: Sat 9am-3pm
Contact: Archye Leacock, aleacock@idaay.org, 215-901-6976
Philadelphia Auto & Parole – Food distribution
Location: Southwest Philly, 19143
Contact: Jermaine Womack, phillysautoandparole@yahoo.com, 267-255-8834
Frontline Dads – Food distribution
Location: 410 N 34th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Contact: Reuben Jones, frontlinedads@aol.com
Mothers In Charge – Food distribution
Location: 2839 W. Girard Ave. 1st Floor, 19130
Contact: Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight, momsforpeace@aol.com
Bible Way Baptist – Food/clothing distribution
Location: 1323 North 52nd Street, 19131
Contact: Rev. Dr. Damone Jones and Rev. Dr. Donna Jones, poimen77@aol.com, djones@mccpphilly.org
Why Not Prosper – food distribution
Location: 717 E Chelten Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Time: Monday and Tuesday
Contact: Rev. Michelle Simmons, whynotprosper@aol.com, 610-716-1113
Broad Street Ministry – Food, clothing, and hygiene kit distribution
Location: 315 S Broad Street, Phila PA 19107
Time: Mon-Fri, 1030-2pm
Contact: Sign-up at https://broadstreetministry.volunteerhub.com/events/index#_=_
Or Contact Michael@broadstreetministry.org, 215-735-4847 ext 116[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-recycle” add_icon=”true” title=”Community Clean-up” tab_id=”1616789439759-f2456468-4c02″][vc_column_text]Impact Services – Community Clean Up
Location: Kensington Area
Time: every other Saturday in April/May
Contact: Jon Arrieta, jarrieta@impactservices.org
First Stop Recovery – yard clean up
Location: 2414 Kensington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Contact: Frank Aikens, frankaikens7@gmail.com, 267-600-7305
Institute for Community Justice @ Phila Fight – community restoration with Mannup program
Location: 1207 Chestnut St., 2nd floor Philadelphia, PA 19107
Contact: Mike Butler, mbutler@fight.org
Bible Way Baptist – church custodial work
Location: 1323 North 52nd Street, 19131
Contact: Rev. Dr. Damone Jones and Rev. Dr. Donna Jones, poimen77@aol.com, djones@mccpphilly.org
Why Not Prosper – community clean up and restoration
Location: 717 E Chelten Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Contact: Rev. Michelle Simmons, whynotprosper@aol.com, 610-716-1113
Village of Arts and Humanities – neighborhood beautification
Location: 2544 Germantown Avenue, 19133 (Germantown and Lehigh areas)
Time: two 4-hour shifts
Contact: Michaela Pommells, Michaela@villagearts.org
Village of Arts and Humanities – Farm area cleanup and planting
Location: 2544 Germantown Avenue, 19133 (Germantown and Lehigh areas)
Time: two 4-hour shifts
Contact: Michaela Pommells, Michaela@villagearts.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-building-o” add_icon=”true” title=”Office Assistance for Nonprofits” tab_id=”1616789723674-d48939fe-7f44″][vc_column_text]People’s Paper Coop – 2021 Mama’s Day Bailout – Help organize, sort, pack, ship, and scan artwork, or help fold and cut handmade paper made from criminal records
Location: 19143
Time: two 4-hour shifts or one 8-hour shift
Contact: Courtney Bowles, courtney@villagearts.org
Hope 4 Every Living Person – Packing door hangers
Location: Victory Outreach Church 735 Westmoreland St. PA 19134
Time: Thursdays
Contact: Pastor Joseph Bishop, pastorjoseph@hope4everylivingperson.org, 267-339-4190
PAR Recycle Works – Sorting, deconstructing, loading and unloading recyclables
Location: 2024 W Hunting Park Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Contact: Maurice Jones, mqjones@par-recycleworks.org, 267-335-5455
IDAAY – distribute health department flyers (requires walking long distances)
Location: 2305 North Broad St. 19132
Time: Sat 9am-3pm
Contact: Archye Leacock, aleacock@idaay.org, 215-901-6976
Philadelphia Unemployment Project – Call center services for unemployed individuals
Location: Virtual
Contact: Andrew Lee, alee@philaup.org
Valley Youth House – packing bags
Location: 1500 Sansom St.
Contact: Alyssa Weinfurtner, aweinfurtner@valleyyouthhouse.org
Mothers In Charge – clerical services
Location: 2839 W. Girard Ave. 1st Floor, 19130
Contact: Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight, momsforpeace@aol.com
PA Prison Society – learning about PPS’s work and responding to letters from incarcerated individuals
Location: 230 S Broad St #605, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Contact: Kristin Cornnell, kcornnell@prisonsociety.org
Philadelphia Citywide Coalition Project (PCCP) – Pop-Up Community Resource Centers – assist citizens at resource tables and through door-to-door information sharing about unemployment, voter registration, property sales, business planning, and other resources. (NOTE: There is a required 2-hour volunteer training that counts toward your total community engagement hours.)
Location: Various (Nicetown/Tioga, North Philly, Susquehanna, Fairhill, Allegheny West, West Philadelphia, Point Breeze, Port Richmond, Overbrook, Strawberry Mansion, Poplar, Logan)
Time: Begins June 1st, Various Shifts (8 AM-12 PM, 2 PM-4 PM, 4 PM-8 PM, 8 PM-12 AM)
Contact: info_pccp@aol.com or 215-839-6130 with your name, message, and email address[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-directions_run” add_icon=”true” title=”Assisting Youth Sports” tab_id=”1616789944660-a9c5f89a-14d9″][vc_column_text]Rebuilding a Village Foundation – coaching girls’ basketball (requires PA child abuse clearance)
Location: Shepard Recreation Center, 5700 Haverford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Contact: Mustafa Clement, eclmnt@yahoo.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tour][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Keir Bradford-Grey to Step Down As Chief Defender
PHILADELPHIA–Keir Bradford-Grey will be stepping down from her role as Chief Defender. Bradford-Grey announced her resignation in a letter to the Defender Association’s Board of Directors on March 15.
Bradford-Grey began her legal career at the Defender, where she worked from 1999 to 2007. She returned to lead the organization in 2015. In her resignation letter, she recounted some of the highlights of her tenure as Chief Defender, including success in redefining the role of public defenders, and efforts to empower communities to play an active role in justice system reform.
“Over time, we have changed the function and the narrative of how our work contributes to enhanced public safety–evolving what had historically been a reactive role to our criminal justice system into an expanded service, with a proactive role in our justice practices,” she wrote.
“The Defender’s mission has always been to provide the best representation for our clients. Keir greatly enhanced that mission during her time as Chief Defender,” said Paul Hetznecker, President of the Defender Association’s Board of Directors, “Thanks to Keir, the Defender Association has been able to establish an unprecedented collaboration with the community, one of the keys to real criminal justice reform.”
During her tenure as Chief, the Defender Association forged closer working relationships with City leaders, providing insights on effective strategies for justice system reform. She writes, “These efforts have gained us the respect and value we deserve from our funders, who supported and increased our budget to allow us to develop our presence in multiple areas of growth, from our national profile to our local community service.”
Hetznecker: “Thanks to Keir’s tireless efforts, the Defender has been able to secure much-needed financial support and achieve increased recognition for the outstanding representation of indigent clients provided by Defender lawyers and staff.”
Keir Bradford-Grey’s last day as Chief Defender will be April 15, 2021. First Assistant Defender Alan Tauber will serve as the Interim Chief Defender while the Board conducts a national search for the next Chief Defender.
# # #
Senate Democratic Committee Hearing: Race and Gender Bias in the Courts
Keir Bradford-Grey was among the attorneys, judges, and advocates who testified before PA State Senators on February 19 to offer solutions to fix the systemic racism of the courts and justice system. Video of the full hearing is below:
Click here to download the full testimony
Click here to watch the full hearing
News Coverage: After 68 years, America’s Oldest Juvenile “Lifer” is Free
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1613754824176{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Through the work of the Defender’s Bradley Bridge, Joe Ligon, the world’s oldest juvenile lifer is now free. His amazing story has caught national and worldwide attention, putting a big spotlight on the need to end over-incarceration.
Here’s just a sampling of the news coverage, beginning with the Philadelphia Inquirer:
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
The nation’s oldest juvenile lifer, Joe Ligon, left a Pa. prison after 68 years
-by Samantha Melamed-
He won release through a legal maneuver that has given hope to hundreds of other juvenile lifers all serving lifetime parole.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row gap=”10″ equal_height=”yes”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1613752420040{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;border-left-color: #1e73be !important;border-right-color: #1e73be !important;border-top-color: #1e73be !important;border-bottom-color: #1e73be !important;}”][vc_column_text]
Washington Post:
[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
CNN:
[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row gap=”10″ equal_height=”yes”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
New York Post:
[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Daily Mail:
[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row gap=”10″ equal_height=”yes”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Yahoo News:
[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
More to come!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
