WSU Law to pilot holistic defense partnership

Wayne State University Law School and School of Social Work are launching a holistic defense partnership for J.D. and M.S.W. students beginning this coming fall, with the goal of addressing clients’ legal and social support needs in tandem.

Holistic defense — also referred to as community orientated or comprehensive defense — is a term used to describe an innovative approach that employs an interdisciplinary team to consider both the individual and community needs when working with a person charged with a criminal offense.

Unintended or collateral consequences of arrest and conviction can include loss of housing, removal of children and even deportation.

Law students will complete the public service externship at approved placement sites that engage in holistic defense for clients. Students also will concurrently enroll in the holistic defense seminar through the School of Social Work that will guide them on reflection and skill-building to complement the placement work.

Law students interested in holistic defense should email lawexternships@wayne.edu for more information or visit the law school website.

“Holistic defense is an underutilized opportunity to effect real change in the lives of people navigating the criminal justice system,” said Wayne Law Dean and Prof. Richard A. Bierschbach. “Lawyers and social workers have the same goal –— to achieve the best possible outcome for their client. By training lawyers and social workers together, we open the door for future professional collaboration that can make all the difference.”

Last fall, social work students embarked on the initial holistic defense pilot year, completing an immersive field placement experience and social work courses focused on the intersection of the criminal legal system and the behavioral health needs of their clients.

Five students who recently completed the initial requirements worked with lawyers and fellow allied health professional teams to assess client needs, provide resources and information, and serve as an advocate for their client.

“The holistic defense model encompasses much of what we do each day as social workers — working in tandem with our clients, colleagues and community partners to provide comprehensive care and empower change in our community,” said Social Work Dean and Prof. Sheryl Kubiak. “What is unique about this approach is the integration into the criminal legal system, which has resulted in shorter client sentences, a reduction in pre-trial detention and ultimately saved taxpayer dollars.”

Social work students will complete a behavioral health and criminal/legal system course, a designated field placement and related holistic defense seminar.

Beginning in the fall, social work students will also take a law school course that will introduce them to legal processes and procedures.

Interested social work students should email Susan Lebold at ft2230@wayne.edu.

Community partners involved in the partnership include:

• Detroit Justice Center

• Federal Community Defender

• Neighborhood Defender Service Detroit

• State Appellate Defender Office