Cumberland County seeks permission to apply for $200,000 PCCD grant to hire two social workers for public defender office

Cumberland County commissioners on Aug. 21 authorized the Public Defender’s Office to apply for a $200,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to hire two social workers.
Katie Zimmerman told the board the funds would be used to convert services now provided by Partners for Justice non‑attorney advocates into internal county positions. The social workers would provide holistic support for clients — helping them navigate services, comply with court requirements and access programs that otherwise make casework more complex.
Zimmerman said the PCCD funding is a competitive opportunity but noted the commission expects to fund about 20 grants statewide. She and a program official, Michael, said social workers have helped free up public defenders’ time to focus on legal casework and have supported client compliance with court and social‑service requirements.
The commissioners moved to approve the application process by voice vote. The approval authorizes staff to apply; it does not guarantee grant award or obligate county funds beyond standard grant acceptance procedures.
Why it matters: If awarded, the grant would institutionalize an interdisciplinary model that pairs legal defense with social‑work support, a practice counties and defenders’ offices have used to reduce court delays and to help clients remain engaged in services.
What’s next: The Public Defender’s Office will submit the application and, if funded, will return with details on hiring, budget and any county match requirements.