At my internship with DeKalb Public Defenders office I will be working in the pre-trial unit contacting clients who qualify for the felony pre-trial diversion program.

Social Work Intern-Visits clients at the DeKalb County jail with and without supervision to check-in with clients, have clients sign releases of information for referral to community programs, and give clients legal updates. -Assists with intake social work referrals at the DeKalb County Jail by taking notes and following up with family and friends of clients as well as providing a summary of the meeting to the attorney on file. -Refers clients to community substance abuse treatment and mental health treatment programs upon release from custody. Coordinates with attorney and provider to facilitate connections. -Assists with client management at in-person court proceedings. Early Representation Unit Intern -Interviews and drafts arguments for clients in custody for felony first appearance hearings and unindicted bond hearings. Corresponds with loved ones to gather more information about client, collect letters of support from family, answer any questions family may have, and follow-up with client and family regarding outcome of bond hearing. -Refers clients to bail support programs and corresponds with programs to gain eligibility for assistance. Refers clients to the Social Work team upon recognition of potential mental health or substance abuse problems. -Works with supervisor to contact clients in the Pre-trial Diversion program to both enroll participants and ensure that individual’s paperwork is properly completed. -Regularly watches and takes notes and writes reports/memos on court proceedings such as bond hearings and preliminary hearings for attorney reference.