Notes |
MacArthur Foundation Support
The Defender has served as a core partner in the city’s grant from the MacArthur Foundation Safety and Justice Challenge since its initial drafting in 2015. The Defender used resources from the grant to pilot the provision of meaningful representation at bail hearings – something that is currently lacking in Philadelphia. More than 2,000 people have benefited from this program since its launch in 2017. This unique partnership saw the Defender and the Philadelphia Police Department collaborate to provide access to representation. A Defender representative is present in the Police Headquarters at 8th and Race for meaningful interviews prior to clients’ liberty determinations.
Another successful program supported by the MacArthur Foundation grant is the Early Bail Review (EBR) Program. This program provides a second look at bail amounts on many cases with bail set at of $50,000 or less (meaning the person would have to post 10%, $5,000 or less, to be released). Through personalized interviews and partnerships with our Social Service Advocates, we identify people’s needs and make referrals to services to ensure they are successful when released. The goal is not just to get people out of custody, but to ensure they have the supports and services needed to stay out of custody. |