Mitigation Unit
Empowering Growth
Our Mitigation Unit is comprised of master’s level social workers, case managers, and social work interns who act as part of the confidential defense team. The role of defense social workers is different from the role of social workers in social service or clinical settings. Defense social workers are advocates who share a duty of loyalty to the people they represent. Rather than provide therapeutic services, social workers use their clinical skills, knowledge, and training to advance clients’ legal and personal goals.
Assessment & Advocacy
We conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluations and, where appropriate, petition the court for Mental Health Diversion under § 1001.36.​​
Youthful Offender Advocacy
For clients who were under 26 at the time of the offense, we assemble the developmental evidence and re-entry plans that § 3051 says parole boards must “give great weight.”
Diversion & Treatment Placement
Our team secures rapid entry into mental-health, substance-use, and community programs that courts weigh heavily when deciding release or alternative sentencing.
Re-Entry Planning
Before release, we draft step-by-step housing, employment, and treatment plans that reduce recidivism and satisfy probation or parole conditions.
Sentencing Mitigation
We prepare detailed social-history reports and expert declarations showing how trauma, youth, or intimate-partner violence trigger the low-term presumption in § 1170(b)(6) and how uncontradicted mitigation caps exposure under SB 567.
Family & Community Collaboration
We work with relatives, teachers, employers, and faith leaders to gather letters and resources that humanize our clients and strengthen their support networks.
By addressing the root causes behind a case and presenting the story in a way the law now demands, the Mitigation Unit helps courts see the whole person, not just the charge.
For Families, Friends, and Community Supporters
If you have information that could shed light on a loved one’s background or current needs, please contact our Mitigation Unit. While confidentiality limits what we can share, your insights can be crucial to their defense.
Social Work Internships
Training opportunities are available for MSW candidates committed to justice-centered practice. Visit our Careers page for application details.