Category: Press Statements
BxD Social Workers and Advocates to present at the 2015 NOFSW Conference
On August 21-23, 2015, four of The Bronx Defenders’ Social Workers and Civil Legal Advocates will be presenting on two panels at the 2015 National Organization of Forensic Social Work (NOFSW) Conference in Arlington, VA. The 32nd Annual NOFSW Conference, entitled “Forensic Practice: Promoting Social Justice for All Through Policy and Practice Reform,” is committed to advancing a new […]
Announcing Request for Proposals for 2015 Holistic Defense for Public Defender Offices Technical Assistance Project
The 2015 Holistic Defense for Public Defender Offices Technical Assistance Project Request for Proposals Deadline: August 21, 2015 Overview The Center for Holistic Defense, a project of The Bronx Defenders, is a resource center for public defender offices, individual advocates, policy makers and others who seek to adopt a more holistic approach to public defense […]
BxD to conduct free legal clinic on employment and housing issues related to criminal records
Next Monday, June 29, 2015, The Bronx Defenders, together with the office of New York City Council Member Andy King, Power of Faith Ministry, and Gunhill Civic Group, will be hosting a free legal clinic for community members. The legal clinic will address criminal record errors on rap sheets (i.e. when things come up on a criminal background […]
The Bronx Defenders testifies before NYC Council on the need for bail reform
Earlier this week, Justine Olderman, Managing Director of the Criminal Defense Practice, Robyn Mar, Director of Early Advocacy, and Noelle Turtur, Project Associate, submitted testimony on behalf of The Bronx Defenders before the New York City Council Committees on Courts and Legal Services and Fire and Criminal Justice on the dire need for reform of the New York […]
Commemorating clients’ strength and courage at BxD’s annual Celebration of Families
Last Friday, June 12, we welcomed over 30 of our clients’ families to The Bronx Defenders’ Justice Campus for an evening of festivities at the Celebration of Families! With musical performances by B.E.A.T. NYC, arts and crafts, a large meal with food donated by local establishments and staff, a raffle with all donated prizes, and inspiring client […]
Bronx Defenders statement on NYC Council passing of the Fair Chance Act
The Bronx Defenders applauds the New York City Council for passing the Fair Chance Act, a bill that will give New Yorkers with criminal records a fair chance to compete for jobs. The Fair Chance Act will prohibit all public and private employers in New York City from asking about an applicant’s criminal history until […]
Deborah Lolai speaks with NCFY about LGBTQ homeless youth and child support petitions
Bronx Defenders Client Advocate Deborah Lolai was recently spoke with the National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth (NCFY) about how LGBTQ homeless youth can petition for child support. Read the Q&A below: Deborah Lolai knows firsthand what it’s like to be forced onto the street because your family rejects your sexual orientation. Homeless for a […]
Bronx Defenders advocates present at NASW Addictions Institute conference
Yesterday, June 3, 2015, four Bronx Defenders advocates presented at the National Association of Social Workers, New York City Chapter (NASW-NYC) 47th Annual Addictions Institute conference, “Marijuana and Emerging Drugs: Evolving Perceptions in Addictions.” Bronx Defenders Parent Advocate Dinah Ortiz and Social Worker Sarah Cremer presented on the presumptions and prejudice surrounding drug use by pregnant […]
The Bronx Defenders wraps up its 2015 Defenders’ Academy Spring Training Program!
The Bronx Defenders wrapped up another session of our nationally renowned Defenders’ Academy Spring Training yesterday. Over six days, 74 participants from over a dozen different organizations – ranging from public defender offices to private firms to the U.S. military – came together at The Bronx Defenders Justice Campus to partake in an intensive trial skills program […]
Mohamed Sheriff to receive a 2015 New York City Bar Association Legal Services Award
The Bronx Defenders is proud to congratulate Mohamed Sheriff, our Senior Legal Advocate, who will receive a 2015 New York City Bar Association Legal Services Award! Sheriff is one of five honorees who will receive the Legal Services Award for his outstanding work and dedication in providing free civil legal assistance to indigent New Yorkers. The […]