New York State Defenders Association

Veterans Defense Program

Location: New York State

Issue Area: Quality of Life

The New York State Defenders Association Veterans Defense Program provides best practice models and consulting support for public defenders who represent veterans in the criminal justice system. The Bob Woodruff Foundation grant will support two intensive “Point Person” trainings and 22 county-level trainings for more than 6,000 public defenders in 13 New York State judicial districts. The public defenders will learn about services, issues and community resources, enabling them to advocate for diversionary treatment and trauma-informed sentencing when they represent veterans. This investment complements the BWF-sponsored program for court professionals.