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.
This budget season, the Defender is requesting additional investments in social workers and attorneys to support our children and youth clients. Read our full testimony here:
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Defender FY 2025 Budget Testimony
The Defender Association's FY 2025 Budget Request: Attorney parity, and more resources to support Philly's Children & Youth!0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Check out some photos from our 90th Anniversary Gala on April 4! More highlights on the way!
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This #budgetseason #phillydefenders is seeking more investment in supports and services for our children and youth clients. Check out our full written testimony to @PHLCouncil: https://phillydefenders.org/fy2025-budget/
#fundphillydefenders #thedefenseneverrests
NOW: Chief Defender @K_Nicole_Hudson presenting #phillydefenders budget testimony to @PHLCouncil. Watch here: https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-innovation-and-technology/phlgovtv/ #thedefenseneverrests #FundPhillyDefenders