Catia De Los Santos
Manager
Client Support Services
Kenya Holmes
Manager
Ladders Youth Program
STATEWIDE DIVISION
Free, confidential, strengths-based support for justice-impacted individuals and families across Georgia—because everyone deserves access to opportunity, resources, and a path forward.
Manager
Client Support Services
Manager
Ladders Youth Program
We provide free, confidential, strengths-based support to justice-impacted individuals and families across 45 judicial circuits in Georgia. Our social workers partner with Public Defenders to address the root causes that drive justice involvement — and build a path toward lasting change.
Our Programs
Explore the program that best fits your situation, or take the quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Statewide reentry support in partnership with your Public Defender and community resources, helping clients build stability through holistic, strengths-based support.
A 12-month virtual program designed to support justice-impacted youth through mentorship, education pathways, life-skills development, and career readiness training.
Answer a few quick questions to find the right fit.
Working alongside your Public Defender, our team provides holistic support and 3–12 months of strengths-based services for eligible clients across the state, free of charge.
Our team of social workers works alongside defense attorneys to address non-legal needs that may impact a client's case and overall well-being. Using a holistic, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach, we focus on helping individuals stabilize, connect to treatment and services and support mitigation efforts when appropriate.
We collaborate closely with GPDC defense counsel and community partners across the state to ensure clients have access to the resources and support they need.
Your Public Defender identifies that you may benefit from social services and submits a referral.
Once a referral is received, the case is assigned to a social worker who will initiate services.
An assessment is conducted to identify the client's needs. This helps our social workers make informed referrals to community-based resources and ensure the client is connected to the most appropriate support.
Clients receive ongoing support through case management and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to address their needs and connect them with appropriate resources.
Continued support may be provided after services conclude to help clients maintain stability and stay connected to resources as needed.
Talk to your Public Defender about a referral to Client Support Services. All services are free and confidential.
socialservices@gapubdef.orgA 12-month career development program for justice-impacted youth ages 16-24. Free. Virtual. Statewide. Powered by the Georgia Public Defense Foundation.
Apply NowA comprehensive approach to building futures through interconnected focus areas.
1-on-1 specialists help set S.M.A.R.T. goals and build life skills.
Free GED prep and vocational training through Georgia's Technical College System.
"Real Life, Real Talk" workshops on financial literacy, communication, and more.
Positive role models providing guidance and accountability throughout.
Job readiness training and employer connections for long-term success.
Answer 3 quick questions to discover your ideal career pathway.
These are just a few of 20+ career pathways available through the Ladders Program.
Apply & Explore All PathwaysFrom enrollment to employment — here's what your Ladders journey looks like.
Graduation day
Certificate ceremony
Professional development
Community service
Career training
"The Ladders Program didn't just give me an opportunity — it gave me a second chance to believe in myself again. I want people to know that change is possible when someone believes in you."Joshua Miller, Ladders Program Graduate
Your future starts with one step. The entire program is 100% free.