ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the principles to develop a model of holistic defense. It discusses the importance of trauma-informed developmental assessments and how forensic social workers are well suited to put together the critical narratives to inform decision-makers in achieving developmentally sound justice. Legal frameworks were being developed at the legislature as well as provided through case law, and in order to best develop the necessary evidence for these legal factors, inclusion of a forensic social worker on the defense team was essential. Developmental assessments began decades ago as a result of questions from courts that recognized that a young person cannot be defined simply by their offense. Courts wanted to know what unique combination of services would fit each young person developmentally and would provide effective rehabilitation. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
