Orleans Defender Services Program Completes Second Year Of Holistic Advocacy

July 1, 2021

The Defender Services Program is the social services and outreach division of the Orleans Public Defenders (OPD). Its purpose is to offer holistic, community-oriented representation and a range of supplemental legal/social services to public defender clients. The division is directed by a social worker who provides comprehensive mitigation advocacy for clients facing a range of charges and sentences.

The social work component of the Defender Services Program is used when a more comprehensive understanding of the client"s psychosocial history and fundamental needs is necessary in order to proceed with the case. The outreach component involves the identification, expansion, and maintenance of a network of viable medical, clinical, substance abuse treatment, educational, vocational, employment and housing-related services available to OPD clients.

The Defender Services Program began in July 2008 through a grant from Baptist Community Ministries in New Orleans, and is now part of the OPD office structure. The Defender Services Program reflects OPD"s commitment to seeking enduring solutions to their client's legal issues. By providing high quality-defense services, public defenders minimize the likelihood of recidivism ­ saving tax dollars, protecting public safety and giving their clients the best opportunities to become valuable members of our community.