Social Services

Promoting collaboration between Lawyers and Social Workers to Support, Prepare, Mediate, and Rehabilitate our Clients in the Justice System.

About Us

The Social Services Department collaborates with Public Defenders to create tailored strategies that address client needs and promote rehabilitation.
Through a client-centered, results-driven approach, we work to foster independence, improve wellbeing, and enhance public safety.

What We Do

Our Social Workers are dedicated to empowering individuals and families through results-driven case management. We specialize in helping clients navigate complex systems with a focus on advocacy and a strengths-based approach. Our integrated case management services, offered for 3 to 12 months, are designed to meet each client’s unique needs and foster lasting success.

Our services include:

  • Personalized needs and strengths assessments
  • Tailored case plan development
  • Referrals to community resources
  • Ongoing progress tracking
  • Successful case plan completion
  • Connections to post-service opportunities
  • A Client’s Journey to Freedom and New Beginnings

    Through diligent mitigating efforts, a client, who was facing a life sentence, was able to secure release. This successful outcome allowed the client to reunite with their family.  

    “This program has not only changed my life but also the lives of the people I love. I am deeply thankful and appreciative for the chance and opportunity they gave me to turn my life around. Today, I not only work, but I am also pursuing my education and embracing a new chapter of growth and opportunity.”

    – Client
  • A Client’s Journey to Graduation and Giving Back

    A client of client support services will be successfully graduating from a program to which we referred them and with which we have built a strong partnership.

    “With this achievement, I am able to return to work at the referred program and serve as a positive role model for future participants.” 

    – Client
  • “The work y’all do is incredibly effective, in my experience!  I have had prosecutors get back and congratulate the work in the mitigation reports while also offering excellent deals.”

    – GPDC Attorney

  • “The mitigation aspect of public defense is SO important and made such a positive impact on the outcomes for our clients.”

    – GPDC Attorney

Collaborations

Contact us to learn more about volunteer opportunities or ways to support our mission.

Resources

Georgia Crisis & Access Line
(800) 715-4225

Atlanta United Way
(404) 614-1000

Suicide and Crisis Line
988

Training and Certifications

Discover our training programs tailored to provide you with essential tools and skills for a successful career in social services.

Department Leaders

Catia De Los Santos, Co-Manager

Catia De Los Santos “Tia” is a committed Bilingual Social Services Manager at the Georgia Public Defenders Council. With a Master’s degree in Social Work from Widener University, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Throughout her career, Tia has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving her community. Her experience spans across providing vital services to children, adults, and families in various capacities. From advocating for vulnerable populations to offering support and guidance, Tia’s passion for making a difference shines through in all that she does. As a bilingual professional, Tia is able to bridge cultural and language barriers, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds receive the assistance they need. Her empathy, coupled with her strong interpersonal skills, allows her to connect with clients on a deeper level, fostering trust and understanding. Tia’s work at the Georgia Public Defenders Council is characterized by her dedication to promoting social justice and advocating for the rights of underserved communities. She is driven by a desire to empower individuals and create positive change, embodying the values of compassion, integrity, and equity.

Kenya Holmes, Co-Manager

Kenya Holmes is a dedicated Social Services Program Manager at the Georgia Public Defender Council with over six years of experience in advocating for equal access to essential resources and opportunities for all individuals. Specializing in intensive case management services, Kenya leverages her expertise to assist violent and non-violent offenders in effort to reduce recidivism and promote successful reintegration into society. Kenya’s comprehensive approach includes conducting thorough assessments, developing individualized case plans, and providing ongoing support to ensure clients achieve their personal and professional goals. She is skilled in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and empowering clients to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. In the past year, Kenya has successfully developed community partnerships and coordinated referrals and resources. Her work involves close collaboration with local agencies, mental health professionals, and employment services to build a robust support network for her clients. Kenya’s dedication to her clients and passion for social justice make her an invaluable asset to the community she serves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Q: Can I submit a referral if I am a private attorney?
    A: No, you must be a Public Defender within the state of GA.
  • Q: Can I refer a client with no release date?
    A: Even though a release date is preferred, we will accept clients with no release date.
  • Q: Can I refer a client that is 17 years old?
    A: Yes, we accept clients that are 16 years of age and older.
  • Q: I have clients that are not in the Atlanta-Metro area, do they qualify for the program?
    A: Yes, we accept clients throughout the state of GA excluding the following opted out counties: Douglas, Cobb, Cherokee, Bell-Forsyth, Gwinnett and Houston.

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