Montana may try novel approach in public defender overhaul

(AP) — Montana officials moved forward Wednesday with an effort to overhaul the state's public defender system, which has been long beset with sinking morale and a growing caseload that puts pressure on what officials say is an overburdened staff.

The state Senate without debate gave preliminary support to a pilot project that s to develop a more comprehensive approach to helping repeat offenders stay out of the criminal justice system.

To help reduce the caseload, the state is exploring a variety of approaches, including a novel method called a "holistic defense pilot project" already used by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Social workers have assisted tribal justice officers in helping offenders obtain driver's licenses, jobs, housing and medical care.