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Public defenders are sounding the alarm about chronic failures in Rikers Island’s mail system, where packages sent by families, even when fully compliant with DOC rules, are routinely delayed, rejected without explanation, or never delivered at all. These breakdowns leave people inside without basic necessities during the coldest months and force families to absorb the cost of items that never reach their loved ones. As Rebecca Kinsella, Director of Social Work in the Criminal Defense practice, explained, “It's really difficult for us to guide families and provide advice about what they can and can't send when no one has a source of information that seems accurate.”

Older adults are one of the fastest-growing populations affected by policing and prosecution in New York and they are facing a legal system that often overlooks their unique needs, especially when the collateral consequences of criminal charges threaten their health, stability, and connection to the community. In this Q&A, BDS Director of Social Work Susanna Eckblad, who leads our Older Adult Advocacy Project, explains how aging New Yorkers are increasingly caught in a web of criminalization and bureaucratic hurdles, and shares how BDS is fighting to keep our elders supported, housed, and free.

At a City Council hearing on transfer schools, BDS Associate Director of the Civil Justice Practice Anna Arkin-Gallagher laid out how students already behind in school are being failed again by a confusing and outdated application system. “Our office has worked with many students who become so frustrated by the transfer school enrollment process that they drop out of school for good.” We called for immediate improvements, including centralized admissions, updated enrollment data, and more services for students with IEPs.

"The gravity of the situation for immigrants in New York City is almost beyond comprehension" said Shawn Blumberg, Associate Director of our Immigrant Community Action Project (ICAP), in recent testimony at an oversight hearing of the New York City Council's Committee on Immigration. Highlighting the inadequate state of funding given the sharp increase in demand for critical services Blumberg made the case for additional resources. "With additional funding to meet this demand, we are confident in our ability to quickly scale up to meet the urgent need.”

As we recognize 2025 Pro Bono Week, the Pro Bono Unit at Brooklyn Defender Services is proud to share the meaningful impact we've achieved through our law firm partnerships. We are deeply grateful for the continued collaboration and are excited to highlight some of the incredible work accomplished so far this year.