San Diego County Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Strong has garnered national recognition by receiving the Partners for Justice Champion Award, a new accolade from the nonprofit Partners for Justice aimed at lauding policymakers who go the extra mile for public defense and foster a more equitable justice system. The County of San Diego reported that Strong's efforts were instrumental in collaborating with the group to enhance services for the youth entangled in the legal system.
"This recognition reflects the tireless work of our defenders, advocates and community partners who stand alongside individuals navigating some of the hardest moments of their lives," Strong said, recognizing that justice reaches its full potential only when those, regardless of their predicaments, are granted the support, dignity, and fair representation they are due, according to the County of San Diego. In his role leading the County’s Public Safety Group, Strong's vision and initiative were pivotal in making San Diego the only jurisdiction nationwide with a PFJ program specifically targeting the requirements of children and young individuals in the criminal justice system.
Joining forces with the County Public Defender’s Office, PFJ stationed three advocates directly within them, connecting youth to critical resources, including housing, healthcare, and education. Since 2023, these advocates have supported over 300 young individuals and have fulfilled their service needs 87% of the time. The partnership's success is a testament to the collaborative effort led by Strong to integrate PFJ's advocacy within the local public defense infrastructure.
County Public Defender Paul Rodriguez credits Strong as a catalyst for the partnership, "Andrew had the vision to connect us with PFJ, encouraged our collaboration and helped us find the resources to make this partnership work," Rodriguez told the County of San Diego. Strong's conviction in this partnership underscores the sentiment of PFJ Co-Founder and Executive Director Emily Galvin Almanza, who reasons that with the backing of local leaders, public defenders have the capacity to transcend their constitutional duties serving as custodians of not only public safety but also, of public health economic mobility, and a person's prospects—extending their impact far beyond the courtroom.
