What is SWIM?
Social Workers and social service staff, Investigators, and Mitigators (what we call the SWIM community) all play an invaluable role in Public Defender offices in Pennsylvania, across our community and for our clients. On this page, you'll find information about PDAP's offerings for folks working in these roles - mitigation resources, social service and investigative referral information, virtual and in-person events and a SWIM specific listserv. Past SWIM programming has included external training scholarships, Ask an SSA/Ask an Investigator sessions and virtual meetups with community-wide discussions on effective PD social service programs and best practices for witness interviews.
If you have any feedback or questions, would like to join the SWIM listserv, or have updates for our resources, please e-mail Julie Hyman at julie@papublicdefenders.com
Virtual SWIM Meet Ups
March 30, 2023 from 12-1 PM
Topic: What makes an effective PD social worker or social service program?
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June 29, 2023 from 12-1 PM
Topic: What are best practices for witness interviews for both mitigation and investigation?
September 28, 2023 from 12-1 PM
Topic: Discussing challenges and celebrating victories
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January 17th from 2:30-3:30 PM
Topic: Using Cellebrite
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March 28, 2024 from 12-1 PM
Topic: Wellness
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​​July 31, 2024 from 3 to 4 PM
Topic: Working in Interdisciplinary Teams
Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81741603225?pwd=cYdMeaTB08Bko6VYajRcX6wzSxaVFa.1
SWIM Offerings
​​SWIM CONFERENCE
FOR: PA Public Defender SWIM Staff (social workers, social service staff, investigators, mitigation specialists)
WHEN: August 15th, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM & August 16th, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
WHO: An amazing faculty from PD's offices across the state and other local and national organizations
WHERE: In person at the Hilton Harrisburg in Harrisburg, PA (One N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101)
FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION: https://forms.gle/VrfLUit5yuSm9drn7
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Virtual SWIM Moots
SWIM is offering to virtually moot any social service staff, investigator or mitigator who needs to testify and wants to practice! Bring the attorney who will be doing your direct examination and we will recruit an attorney to practice your cross examination. In addition to the practice, you will receive feedback.
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If interested, please e-mail a brief about the case, any relevant discovery and your CV to Julie@PAPublicDefenders.com
SWIM Resources
Resources by Topic
Resources by County/Area
Downloadable Resources
