Defenders connect clients to community services and supports from the beginning stages of the criminal justice process.
The Defender social service team understands the importance of ensuring that clients are viewed as a complete person rather than a case file.
Defender Social Workers focus on connecting clients with services at the front-end of the criminal justice system by developing individualized, community-based treatment plans to focus on a person’s underlying needs and challenges.
By meeting with clients at the earliest possible point in the case, we support and humanize our clients so that the criminal justice system makes high-stakes decisions about the person rather than the charges.
We provide timely referrals and connections to services, including:
For questions or additional information about community partnerships, please reach out to:
Since 1934, we have believed that poverty shouldn’t prevent access to justice. Everyone, regardless of income, deserves the highest quality legal counsel.


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HB144 is a game changer for Philly youth. 💙
This bill expands youth diversion keeping young people connected to school, family, and community instead of courtrooms and cells. Research shows that diversion reduces reoffending, strengthens public safety, and costs a fraction of incarceration.
HB144 could give more than 9,300 PA youth a fair chance to grow, heal, and move forward.
📣 Contact your State Rep and urge a YES vote on HB144. Our kids deserve better options.
#philly #phillynews philly youth #phillyreform #phillyyouth #phillyphilly #phillysupportphilly #hb144 #Phillydefenders #phillyliving
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The artists at SCI Phoenix show how creativity can spark change by transforming their experiences into powerful artwork that creates space for restoration and second chances.
This week, we partnered with @MuralArts for our annual Art Sale, a two-day event featuring more than 100 works created by currently and formerly incarcerated artists. Proceeds from each piece directly support re-entry programs for returning citizens, helping to reduce barriers and expand opportunities.
S/O to @Suavegonzalez215 for sharing his story and shedding light on the impact of the Restorative Justice program with @MuralArts.
We appreciate everyone who came out and supported this important work. 💛
#thingstodoinphilly #phillyfundraiser #phillymurals #muralartsphilly #reformphilly #stopmassincarceration #returningcitizens #PhillyEvents #PhillyNonProfit #phillysupportphilly
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Do you know Bennie Gauge from North Philly? Now in CSI Huntington. (Lifer)
Bravo!!
HB144 is a game changer for Philly youth. 💙
This bill expands youth diversion keeping young people connected to school, family, and community instead of courtrooms and cells. Research shows that diversion reduces reoffending, strengthens public safety, and costs a fraction of incarceration.
HB144 could give more than 9,300 PA youth a fair chance to grow, heal, and move forward.
📣 Contact your State Rep and urge a YES vote on HB144. Our kids deserve better options.
#philly #phillynews philly youth #phillyreform #phillyyouth #phillyphilly #phillysupportphilly #HB144 #phillydefenders #phillyliving
Dec 5
The artists at SCI Phoenix show how creativity can spark change by transforming their experiences into powerful artwork that creates space for restoration and second chances.
This week, we partnered with @MuralArts for our annual Art Sale, a two-day event featuring more than 100 works created by currently and formerly incarcerated artists. Proceeds from each piece directly support re-entry programs for returning citizens, helping to reduce barriers and expand opportunities.
S/O to @Suavegonzalez215 for sharing his story and shedding light on the impact of the Restorative Justice program with @MuralArts.
We appreciate everyone who came out and supported this important work. 💛
#ThingsToDoInPhilly #PhillyFundraiser #PhillyMurals #MuralArtsPhilly #ReformPhilly #StopMassIncarceration #ReturningCitizens #PhillyEvents #PhillyNonprofit #PhillySupportPhilly
Dec 4
S/O to our Immigration Counselor, Whitney Viets, for her important interview with @phillyinquirer . ICE’s near-daily courthouse activity threatens the safety, trust, and accessibility our justice system depends on.
Public engagement and oversight are crucial.⚖️✨
Our office continues to work diligently to provide the resources and support needed to confront this issue. Learn more at the link in our bio.
#Philly #phillynews #phillyphilly #ICE #immigration #immigrationlaw #immigrationlawyers #phillyreels #phillydefenders
Nov 26
You NEVER have to stay silent about police misconduct, you can file a complaint through the City’s official online channels. Our role is to ensure you understand your options and have the information you need to protect yourself.⚖️✨
‼️REMEMBER: If you’re facing criminal charges, speak to your lawyer before filing any complaints‼️
For more resources from our Police Accountability Unit, hit the link in our bio.🔗
#philly #phillypolice #phillydefenders #phillynews #phillydefenders #phillyphilly #policemisconduct #phillyreform #phillyyouth
Nov 25
Peer Advocacy Program is partnering with @linked_family through their Partner Access Pathway to support youth ages 16–21 in foster care who are pregnant or parenting. 💛🍼
This collaboration helps connect young parents to what they may need — from intake and needs assessments to 1:1 sessions, essentials, and transition-planning resources designed to make things a bit easier.
To learn more about what the program offers, hit the link in bio.
#philly #phillyyouth #phillynews #phillydefenders #reformphilly #fyp #justice #socialservices #socialwork
Nov 21
Today, we are proud to stand in solidarity with @noicephilly as they rally to demand the removal of ICE from CJC courtrooms. No one should have to fear detention or deportation simply for seeking justice.
Immigration and criminal legal issues are deeply intertwined, and even minor convictions can have life-altering consequences for non-citizens. That’s why we are actively expanding our efforts to strengthen immigration support for our clients.
Hit the link in our bio to learn more.
#philly #phillynews #phillyreform #phillyimmigrants❤️ #ice #phillydefenders #immigrationnews #immigrationlawyer #immigrationlaw #news
Nov 20
Chief Defender Keisha Hudson continues to elevate the issues that matter most as DA Larry Krasner enters his third term.✨⚖️
Immigration justice must remain front and center. Undocumented Philadelphians deserve to seek help, attend court, and participate in the justice process without fear of ICE encounters. When people don’t feel safe coming forward, our entire city is impacted.
Read Keisha’s full take in her latest article in @phillyinquirer — link in bio.
#ICE #Philly #phillynews #immigration #immigrationlaws #phillyimmigration #LarryKarsner #Reformphilly #phillydefenders
Nov 13
Congratulations to our newly barred Defenders! ⚖️🎉 From their first day at the Defenders to being officially sworn in, it’s amazing to see how it started vs. how it’s going. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to justice embody what it means to be a #PhillyDefender. 💙
We’re so proud of each of you and can’t wait to see all the ways you’ll continue to serve, advocate, and make an impact.
#DefenderStrong #PublicDefenders #SwearingIn #NewlyBarredDefenders #JusticeForAll #HowItStartedVsHowItsGoing
Nov 12
📢 Our office will be closing early today at 1PM and will reopen Monday at 9AM for regular business hours. For information and resources during the closure, hit the link bio.
Home
phillydefenders.org
Our office will be closed today and will reopen tomorrow at 10AM for regular business hours.
For information and resources during the closure, please visit the link below.
Home
www.phillydefenders.org
Real safety comes from investing in young people.
500+ Philly students have joined our Junior Defender Program, learning advocacy & leadership to drive real change.
Thanks @PhillyInquirer for highlighting this work 💙 Read the full Op-Ed below

When public defense leaves the courthouse and enters the classroom, young people are empowered |...
More than 518 students across seven Philadelphia schools have participated in a Junior Defender Program that has spa...
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Our office will be closed on Monday and will reopen Tuesday at 10AM for regular business hours. For information and resources during the closure, please the link below.
Home
phillydefenders.org