Title
a. Authorize the Public Defender’s Office to receive an award from the State of California Office of the State Public Defender’s Expanded Public Defense Services (Holistic Defense) Grant in the amount of $716,152 with a grant period of February 1, 2026 through June 1, 2028; and
b. Designate and authorize the Public Defender, Chief Assistant Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or Designee to execute and manage grant documents for the Expanded Public Defense Services (Holistic Defense) Grant.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Public Defender’s Office to receive an award from the State of California Office of the State Public Defender’s Expanded Public Defense Services (Holistic Defense) Grant in the amount of $716,152 with a grant period of February 1, 2026-June 1, 2028; and
b. Designate and authorize the Public Defender, Chief Assistant Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or Designee to execute and manage grant documents for the Expanded Public Defense Services (Holistic Defense) Grant.
SUMMARY:
On October 21, 2025, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors authorized the Public Defender’s Office to submit an application for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance from the State of California Office of the State Public Defender’s Expanded Public Defense Services (Holistic Defense) Grant. This application resulted in an award from the Holistic Defense Grant in the amount of $716,152 with a grant period of February 1, 2026-June 1, 2028. The Public Defender’s Office requests authorization to receive the Holistic Defense Grant award of $716,152. The Holistic Defense Grant does not require matching funds.
DISCUSSION:
The 2025-2026 Budget Act (SB 102) appropriated funding to support the expansion of public defense services statewide, specifically focusing on holistic defense-a client-centered approach to public defense that integrates legal advocacy with critical support s...
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