What’s New With PDAP #1

Community-based mental health resources and supports for neurodivergent individuals are underfunded. Additionally, individuals with these needs are more likely to be swept into the criminal legal system, which often involves coming into contact with Public Defenders. So how can our community be better equipped to understand mentally ill or neurodivergent clients, direct them to the resources they may need, and navigate systems to find options outside the criminal legal system?

PDAP is proud to announce A Public Defender’s Guide to Working With Mentally Ill and Neurodivergent Clients, a comprehensive manual created by Chester County Client Assistance Coordinator Katie Wagner in partnership with the Delaware County Public Defender’s Office. The manual contains an appendix of additional resources, including sample motions and proposed orders, information about materials covered in the manual, and other helpful references to support Public Defenders in representing this client population.

Some highlights from the manual include:

• Chapters on working with, building trust and rapport with, and accessing treatment and resources for mentally ill and neurodivergent clients
• An overview of mental health commitments and processes
• Information on the basics of competency to stand trial and the insanity/GBMI defenses
• A chapter dedicated to mitigation for mentally ill and neurodivergent clients

Each Public Defender’s office in the state received a hard copy of this manual, which is designed to be used by all Public Defender staff, attorneys, Social Workers and social service advocates, investigators, mitigation specialists, and support staff. Access to the manual is available here, and the accompanying appendix can be found here.