(TRENTON) — Seeking to improve efficiency across New Jersey’s justice system, Assemblyman Gary Schaer is advancing legislation to establish a statewide model of the holistic defense initiative, a proposal designed to deliver better outcomes for individuals and communities.
The bill would codify the New Jersey Holistic Representation Model of a successful pilot program currently operating in Atlantic, Hudson, and Monmouth counties, expanding integrated legal and social support services for individuals represented by the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender.
“Our justice system has long recognized the value of wraparound services for individuals reentering society after incarceration, but too often, we fail to provide that same level of support to those awaiting trial. These crucial services, that will be provided by Client Services Specialists, will dramatically decrease recidivism for low-income individuals and alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers,” said Assemblyman Schaer (D-Bergen, Passaic). “The Office of the Public Defender represents some of the most vulnerable people in our state; individuals battling addiction, mental health challenges, housing instability, and unemployment. My bill, A4897, builds on the important work already being done by the Office of the Public Defender, by establishing a statewide holistic defense model that will ensure people are connected to critical legal and social supports at the front end of the system, not after the damage is already done.”
“Pre-trial social services are data-driven, accountability-focused, and a clear example of justice in action. This legislation meets people at critical moments during pre-trial, post-verdict, and re-entry with support and a real path forward. The pilot data shows that when individuals are connected early to housing, mental health care, treatment, and employment, we deliver a more dignified approach that has long been neglected,” said Senator Benjie Wimberly, the Senate prime sponsor. “When we treat people with respect and provide timely support, communities get stronger. Service connections increased by 442%, and up to 98% of participants remained arrest-free. Our public safety system should not begin with crisis response and reaction. A shift toward early intervention and structured support could save up to $730 million in incarceration costs through statewide adoption of this legislation.”
Data from the three-county pilot demonstrates the model’s effectiveness:
Service connections, including help accessing health care, benefits, housing, employment, and treatment supports, increased from 142 clients in 2024 to 773 clients in 2025, a 442% surge.
The pilot primarily served clients with significant needs: 25% were unhoused, 60% had a mental health diagnosis, and 80% were connected to employment or workforce training.
The model also demonstrates broader public safety and fiscal benefits:
Up to 98% of participants remained arrest-free when provided holistic support.
If expanded statewide, the model could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in avoided incarceration costs annually, including up to $730 million.
“Holistic representation is a practical model for maximizing public investments and making government more effective,” said Jennifer Sellitti, New Jersey Public Defender. “By connecting clients with existing services earlier, we can help people address the challenges affecting their lives, allow attorneys to focus on legal work, give courts more complete information, and deliver better outcomes for clients, communities, and the justice system.”
Following the pilot’s success, the Office of the Public Defender applied the model where possible by reconfiguring limited existing staff into similar roles, showing early progress as demand outpaces capacity.
The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender represents approximately 75% of individuals facing criminal charges in Superior Court and provides legal services to those who cannot afford private counsel. The legislation would expand holistic representation across all 21 counties by integrating Client Advocate services to help address social challenges that can contribute to justice system involvement.
In the traditional model, attorneys are often left to address clients’ non-legal needs, such as housing instability, mental health conditions, substance use, and unemployment. These responsibilities can be more effectively handled through specialized support, allowing attorneys to focus on case resolution, motions, and trials. The new model is not meant to replace programs that provide direct services to public defender clients, but rather to leverage the confidential attorney-client relationship to better understand clients’ needs and strengthen connections to existing services earlier in the process.