TRENTON, N.J. — Yesterday, the Assembly and Senate Judiciary Committees advanced A4897/S4298, the New Jersey Holistic Representation Act, marking an important step toward expanding holistic defense services to all 21 counties.

Sponsored in the Senate by Senators Benjie Wimberly and Vin Gopal, and in the Assembly by Assemblymembers Gary Schaer, Kenyatta Stewart, and Ellen Park, the legislation would codify NJOPD's successful Holistic Representation Model, currently being piloted in Atlantic, Hudson, and Monmouth counties, and expand it statewide. The model pairs public defenders with Client Services Specialists who connect clients with existing community resources for housing, mental health treatment, substance use services, employment, education, and other essential needs.

The pilot has demonstrated that people facing criminal charges often experience crises that existing services have failed to reach. By connecting clients with resources earlier in the legal process, when they are already working with their public defenders, NJOPD has helped close that gap. Service connections increased from 142 in 2024 to 773 in 2025, a 442% increase. Additionally, approximately 80% of participating unemployed or underemployed clients were connected with employment or job training opportunities.

“True public defense extends far beyond the courtroom,” said New Jersey Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti. “Every day, we represent clients whose legal challenges are inextricably linked to homelessness, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and joblessness. While the traditional system merely processes a charge, the Holistic Representation Model addresses the root causes of why people enter the system in the first place. Embedding specialists on our defense teams gives us the right entry point to link clients to existing community resources while cases are pending. It interrupts human crises before they escalate, keeps people out of unnecessary incarceration, and maximizes the impact of existing taxpayer dollars.”

A review of approximately 10% of the pilot caseload identified 115,972 fewer custodial days reflected in final case outcomes compared with initial offers. Applying the New Jersey Department of Corrections’ marginal incarceration cost of $12.01 per day (the direct daily cost of housing an individual) yields approximately $1.4 million in potential avoided incarceration costs within the reviewed cases. These figures represent illustrative potential savings rather than verified reductions in actual days served.

“Holistic defense represents a smarter approach to public safety and a more responsible use of taxpayer dollars,” said Assemblyman Gary Schaer. “We know that incarceration is expensive, and we know that many of the challenges contributing to justice-system involvement can be addressed through services that already exist in our communities. By connecting people with those resources earlier, we have an opportunity to reduce unnecessary incarceration, improve outcomes, and make government work more efficiently. The results of New Jersey’s pilot demonstrate why this model deserves serious consideration for statewide expansion.”

“Access to justice should not depend on the county in which someone is charged,” said Assemblyman Kenyatta Stewart. “Too often, individuals enter the criminal justice system facing challenges that cannot be resolved by a courtroom disposition alone. Holistic representation recognizes that helping someone find stable housing, employment, or treatment can make a meaningful difference in their ability to move forward. Expanding this program statewide would give more New Jersey residents access to the support they need to build stability in their lives.”

“An effective justice system must recognize that individuals and families are often navigating multiple challenges at once,” said Assemblywoman Ellen Park. “Holistic defense provides an opportunity to connect people with services before those challenges become deeper crises. By improving coordination between legal representation and community resources, we can help individuals achieve greater stability, support families, and strengthen the communities we serve.”

“Public safety is strengthened when we address the circumstances that contribute to repeated involvement in the criminal justice system,” said Senator Benjie Wimberly. “If we want people to succeed, we must provide meaningful opportunities to access treatment, employment, housing, and other essential services. New Jersey’s pilot has shown the value of making those connections while cases are still pending. Advancing this legislation brings us closer to a system that prioritizes accountability, stability, and long-term community safety.”

“Government works best when we invest in solutions that address problems early instead of paying more to manage their consequences later,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “Holistic defense brings together legal representation and community-based services in a coordinated approach that can improve outcomes while reducing unnecessary strain on our justice system. The pilot program has provided valuable New Jersey-specific evidence, and this legislation offers an opportunity to build on those results in communities throughout the state.”

Participation in the program remains voluntary and would not alter prosecutorial discretion or judicial authority. As NJOPD represents approximately 60,000 clients annually, statewide expansion will allow the agency to bring these resources to individuals across all 21 counties.

“The committees’ action is an important step toward ensuring that holistic representation is not limited by geography,” Sellitti added. “We have seen what is possible in three counties. We look forward to continuing our work with the Legislature to bring these opportunities to communities throughout New Jersey.”