On staff Social workers, all Master’s Level Graduates, are part of the interdisciplinary team at the Yolo County Public Defender's Office. Their job is to assist clients with the issues that originally led to their involvement in the criminal justice system as well as to address the effects of criminal justice involvement, commonly referred to as collateral consequences. 

 

Two social worker are dedicated to the adult offender population and assist sentenced inmates with discharge planning services that include help with securing benefits, housing or employment, required psychiatric medication refills, as well as mental health and substance abuse services.  The social workers also provide direct legal support to the criminal defense attorneys to develop plans to influence client-centered and productive resolution of pending court cases.  Another social worker works directly with delinquent youth, determining sources of instability and advocating for proper services to meet the youth’s needs in the community.