SOCIAL WORKERS IN PUBLIC DEFENDER PROGRAMS

• NCJ Number: 27236
• Journal: Social Work Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: (JULY 1975) Pages: 271-277
• Author(s): J J SENNA
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 7 pages
• Corporate Author: National Assoc of School Workers
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER PROGRAM AS A SETTING FOR SOCIAL WORK, WITH A REPORT ON THE RESULTS OF A LIMITED NATIONAL SURVEY ON THE USE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN SUCH SETTINGS.

Abstract

THE SURVEY INDICATED THAT MANY DEFENDER PROGRAMS PRESENTLY HAVE OR PLAN TO ADD SOCIAL CASEWORKERS AS PART OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL STAFF. FEDERAL FUNDING IS SAID TO BE NECESSARY IF THE DEFENDER PROGRAMS ARE TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD THESE SERVICES. SOCIAL WORKERS ARE SAID TO PROVIDE VALUABLE EVALUATIONS OF CLIENTS, ENABLING DEFENDERS TO OFFER CUSTOM REHABILITATION PLANS IN COURT. THE OFFENDER ALSO RECEIVES CASEWORK SERVICES FROM THE SOCIAL WORKERS WHILE AWAITING DISPOSITION OF HIS CASE, PERMITTING TREATMENT EARLIER THAN WOULD OTHERWISE BE POSSIBLE.