Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) embraces a holistic approach to its criminal defense work and employs a licensed clinical social worker to support this model of criminal defense lawyering. The social worker enhances client representation by providing clinical assessments of clients and mitigating services during court proceedings. Clients are often provided referrals for social and vocational services, receiving follow-up support along the way.
While clients are the primary beneficiaries of our social work services, the students and staff benefit as well. Education about the concerns of the interface between clients’ involvement with the criminal justice system, mental health and social systems is on-going at CJI.
In addition to assisting clients, CJI social work services also educate students about the issues clients face, including substance abuse and mental health concerns.