Monterey County Public DefenderAt — Holistic Defense- County of Monterey Public Defender

Delivering recovery oriented and culturally competent services focused on the strengths and resilience of the whole person includes: • Assist attorneys in developing defense strategies by providing evidence based developmental science • Determine diagnoses regarding mental illness or addictions • Conduct interviews to collect information and gather records for mitigation/competency • Prepare comprehensive psychosocial histories as needed • Provide testimony regarding social services, mental health status, or developmental issues • Provide social services information/education to attorneys and clients • Prepare and present accurate case information and persuasive mitigation reports • Advocate for clients in the criminal justice system by investigating, developing, and presenting information that supports an alternative sentencing plan or dispositional plan. • Accompany holistic defense clients at service provider intakes, transport clients from the jail to service providers, accompany clients to make purchases needed to improve life circumstances (clothing for job interviews, etc.) as directed • Research and contact service providers (housing, Substance abuse treatment, access to education, and volunteer work) on behalf of clients • Cultivate relationships with community programs and social service providers; work collaboratively with partners to meet the comprehensive and complex needs of clients