The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD) has partnered with Partners for Justice (PFJ), a national nonprofit, to enhance collaborative and holistic representation for individuals in the criminal legal system. The initiative will initially focus on Atlantic, Monmouth, and Hudson counties in New Jersey.
Governor Phil Murphy expressed support for the partnership, stating: "This new partnership between the Office of the Public Defender and Partners for Justice will help bridge gaps between legal and personal needs for individuals involved in our criminal defense system." He emphasized that comprehensive services such as mental health counseling, substance use treatment, securing ID cards, or work permits are essential for clients rebuilding their lives.
The collaboration aims to merge legal strategy with human needs by placing PFJ-trained Client Advocates in NJOPD offices. These advocates will connect individuals with community resources to ensure more equitable outcomes. Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti remarked on the broader scope of public defense: "Public defense is about more than what happens in the courtroom; it is about public safety."
Emily Galvin-Almanza, PFJ’s founder and co-executive director, praised the initiative's innovative approach: “What Jennifer and her team are building in New Jersey is groundbreaking, and we are so excited to be a part of it.” She highlighted that empowering defenders can significantly reduce incarceration rates and aid people returning home from jail safely.
