Establishes New Jersey Holistic Representation Model in Office of Public Defender.

The New Jersey Holistic Representation Act establishes a collaborative, team-based holistic representation model in the Office of the Public Defender. This model pairs public defender staff attorneys with trained non-attorney social service professionals to address underlying issues contributing to the client’s involvement in the criminal justice system. The holistic representation team includes a staff attorney, a client services specialist, and other necessary persons. The model is voluntary and eligibility-based, with a team-based approach providing services for each client participant.

Establishes New Jersey Holistic Representation Model in Office of Public Defender.

The New Jersey Holistic Representation Act establishes a collaborative, team-based holistic representation model in the Office of the Public Defender. This model pairs public defender staff attorneys with trained non-attorney social service professionals to address underlying issues contributing to the client’s involvement in the criminal justice system. The holistic representation team includes a staff attorney, a client services specialist, and other necessary persons. The model is voluntary and eligibility-based, with a team-based approach providing services for each client participant.