Youth and Parental Perceptions of a Holistic Juvenile Public Defense Model

Abstract

This study examines client and parent/guardian perceptions of holistic juvenile public defense. A total of 66 subjects responded to a structured survey measuring satisfaction with holistic representation. Differences between perceptions were analyzed using paired T-tests and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze strength of association and interrelationships among variables and satisfaction. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended survey questions. The findings of this study indicate that holistic defense was perceived positively as measured by high client satisfaction. Further empirical research is necessary to evaluate the outcomes of holistic models and offer comparison to traditional models.