Read on to see how Aidan, serving in Santa Barbara, California, has learned how holistic defense matters to clients and public defender staff.
For those working in indigent defense – or criminal defense of any kind – “holistic defense” is a frequent goal and popular buzzword. But what does it mean? What does it look like for attorneys and their clients for each case to be handled “holistically,” and what is missing from conventional indigent defense?
Read on to hear how serving at the Moran Center gave Anya confidence in her future career and deepened her understanding of how the criminal justice system impacts youth and their families.
Anya, serving at the Moran Center in Evanston, IL has seen the impact of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) on their clients and dives into the current challenge to ICWA below.
Meet Aidan who started serving in Santa Barbara, CA in September and learn why he serves.
Guest post by Shantih Kleen
Luis began his service at the Office of the Appellate Defender in NYC in August, focusing on bringing community resources for clients reentering society. Below, he talks about the importance of relationship building and advocacy for clients while they are incarcerated.
Two NLADA AmeriCorps members started the inaugural VISTA program in the Pima County Public Defense Services in August. Below, Jessica, explains the history of the county as a borderland and the importance of public defense within Arizona’s specific judicial environment.
As the Connecticut Division of Public Defenders Services (CDPD) enters their second year of AmeriCorps NLADA VISTA programming, they are continuing the court outreach started by Tyler, the 2019 VISTA member, with COVID-19 safety protocols. Read on to hear how Nichele is assistating CDPD with outdoor events to help people find information about their case and apply for legal assistance. >
Dametrick and the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender are both back for year two as part of the NLADA AmeriCorps program. Read on to learn why the capacity building and partnerships are key to Cook County expanding holistic defense.
The Orleans Public Defender Office was one of our first host sites, first focusing on building better data systems. As they begin their third year with NLADA AmeriCorps VISTA members, they have built stronger community relations across New Orleans and use the data reports NLADA AmeriCorps members create to show how the partnerships assist their clients. Daniel Goldstein, a Community Partnerships member, explains below how Hurricane Katrina pushed the city to make important changes to follow best practices for holistic public defense.
