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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Are you (or do you know) a #Philly #highschool student looking for a PAID summer internship? Check out this opportunity with our Jr. Defender Program! @ysrpinphilly @juvlaw1974 @bpda_justice @yeahphilly @yasp2
2024 Junior Defender Internships
Will you be 18 by June 10? Do you want to learn about our criminal legal system? Apply to our Junior Defender Internship Program!
ow.ly
Are you (or do you know) a Philly #highschool student looking for a PAID #internship? Check out this opportunity with our Junior Defenders program!
2024 Junior Defender Internships
Will you be 18 by June 10? Do you want to learn about our criminal legal system? Apply to our Junior Defender Internship Program!
phillydefenders.org