Holistic Services We Provide

The office is dedicated to therapeutic justice. We address any underlying reasons for unlawful conduct such as mental illness and substance dependency. Attorneys, Client Advocates, and Social Workers seek treatment services for clients in need. Clients are linked to mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers, state and federal assistance, and with third party service providers for basic needs such as housing, food, education, and employment.

COA-PDO created the following innovative, therapeutic interventions to address the diverse needs of the clients, we serve.

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I. L.I.F.T.S. (Lawyers Initiative for Transforming Society)

Lifts is a warrant program design to assist homeless/unhoused individuals as they face the legal obstacles preventing them from obtaining shelter, permanent housing, or employment.

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II. H.E.P. (Holistic Employment Program)

HEP is a community-based employment program that assists participants with securing competitive, employment opportunities that pays a living wage.  HEP serves individuals experiencing barriers in the job search process, such as criminal history (having a felony), medical issues, substance use, mental health disorders, homelessness, and other obstacles.  HEP provides case management around job readiness, career development training and support in maintaining a new employment situation.  Financial Literacy education is also offered, as part of the HEP program.  If you are interested in the HEP Program, the following basic requirements MUST be met, prior to submitting a HEP APPLICATION:

  • HEP participant must have stable housing
  • HEP participant has a valid State ID or Driver’s License
  • HEP participant has a Social Security card
  • HEP participant must have a negative drug screen

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III. SOAR (SSI Outreach Access and Recovery)

Public Defender Social Workers facilitate SOAR Assistance to Community based clients. SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery(SOAR) is a program designed to increase access to SSI/SSDI for eligible adult sand children who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance abuse disorder. If you are interested in the SOAR Program, please complete and return the client referral form below.

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IV. Driver’s License Restoration Program (DLRP)

Reinstating the privilege to drive in Georgia can be a difficult matter to navigate. Identifying the reasons why a license may have been suspended and understanding what must be accomplished to become eligible for license restoration can be confusing, and present barriers to lawful driving. The Office of the Public Defender implemented an assistance program that provides guidance and technical   assistance   in  restoring   the privilege to drive.

  • A DLRP team member will work with participants to help them navigate the hurdles to reinstatement.
  • A DLRP team member can educate participants as to the limitations of certain driving permits.
  • A DLRP team member can educate clients as to the consequences of multiple suspensions for certain driving offenses.
  • A DLRP team member may develop a repayment strategy with clients facing reinstatement fees.
  • The DLRP team can provide notary services for pauper’s affidavits which help reduce reinstatement fees.

Click here to fill out the form