Integrating Social Work and Criminal Defense Charting a Course Toward More Comprehensive Client Representation National Organization of Forensic Social Work Annual Conference 2012 Baltimore, MD R. Chris Smith, LCSW Matthew Silvey, LCSW

“Traditional” Model of Public Defense History of Indigent Defense –6 th Amendment –Powell 1932 –Gideon 1963 –Argensinger 1972 –Strickland 1984

“Traditional” Model Operationalizing indigent defense –Pro Bono –Vouchers –Government / Public Defender Agencies –Contracts

“Traditional” Model Effectiveness? –Overworked –Underpaid –Under supported –Devalued –Under funded

Emergence of the Holistic Model of Representation

Holistic Model: Rationale Traditional model is ineffective –Does not address underlying causes of criminal activity –Attorneys lack collateral support

Holistic Model: Rationale Crime prevention Reducing recidivism Sentencing component support

Evolution of the Holistic Model of Indigent Defense

Evolution of the Holistic Model Not a new concept Use of SW as specialists in capital cases (Wiggins 2003) Emergence and success of problem- solving courts Community connections Full-scale adoption of the Holistic Model

Examples: Bronx Defenders San Francisco Public Defender Neighborhood Defender Services of Harlem Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy Georgia Justice Project Knox County Public Defender’s Community Law Office

Implications for Social Workers ABA Task Force: Analyze and provide direction Potential for contributions by SW’s: –Rich history of holistic practice –Clinical and community practice skill –Emphasis on community collaboration and empowerment

Challenges: Define the Model

Change Over Time…

Defining Culture and Managing Change Mission Values Goals

Integration

Community Involvement / Investment Local neighborhood Criminal justice community Treatment community –Recovery –Mental Health –Homeless

Community Involvement / Investment General Public State/local government

Funding and Sustainability Grant funding availability / access Private funding Use of volunteers College of Social Work

Education and Training Community education and training –Professional training Inter-agency Intra-agency –Community training Contributing to the knowledge base –Tracking outcomes –presentations

Education and Training Fostering, maintaining relationship with CSW –Adjunct teaching –Internships

Practice Standards

Summary and Future Directions