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CLB approves $65,555 from settlement funds for public defender social worker
Summary
The CLB approved a recommendation to allocate $65,555 from county settlement funds to the Fourth Judicial District public defender’s office to hire a full‑time social worker to help link clients to substance‑use and mental‑health services and to assist with benefits and transportation needs.
The CLB approved a recommendation to allocate $65,555 from county settlement funds to the Fourth Judicial District Public Defender’s Office to hire a full‑time social worker focused on clients with substance‑use and mental‑health needs.
Public Defender representatives told the CLB that a large share of their clients have substance‑use or co‑occurring mental‑health needs and that a dedicated social worker would conduct needs assessments, connect clients to recovery services, assist with benefit applications and address transportation barriers. The office said a master’s level social worker is already assigned districtwide and that this funding would support a bachelor‑level social worker focused on Cobb County clients.
Why it matters: the defender’s office argued the position would reduce repeat contacts with the criminal justice system by improving service connections at release.
Discussion vs. decision: CLB members asked whether the position is ongoing; county staff responded that the initial allocation is for one year and that the office may reapply for grant funds; the CLB approved the allocation by roll‑call vote.
Ending: The social worker position will be funded from settlement funds for the coming year and the public defender’s office will seek continued support or grants as appropriate.
