Digital transformation is often associated with healthcare, where technology has played a pivotal role in expanding access, improving outcomes, and driving operational efficiency. However, the impact of digital modernization extends far beyond the boundaries of healthcare, touching other critical public sectors that serve as the backbone of equitable societies. At Publicis Sapient, our work across public defense, emergency assistance, and government services demonstrates how digital transformation can be a catalyst for access, equity, and hope in underserved communities.
Publicis Sapient’s Impact Films series, created in partnership with Academy Award-winning director Ben Proudfoot, brings to life the stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by digital innovation. While the series began by spotlighting healthcare access in rural America, it quickly expanded to other sectors where the stakes are just as high and the need for modernization just as urgent.
The short film “Forgiving Johnny” offers a rare, honest look into the criminal justice system through the eyes of a Los Angeles County public defender and his client, Johnny, a man with developmental disabilities facing a lengthy prison sentence. Historically, public defenders have been hampered by manual, paper-based systems, making it difficult to access critical case information and advocate effectively for their clients.
Publicis Sapient partnered with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office to develop a cutting-edge client case management system (CCMS). This digital platform now enables public defenders to access and manage over 160 million court records digitally, transforming how more than 100,000 cases are handled each year. Attorneys can now receive client information before proceedings begin, allowing for earlier, more effective counsel and holistic representation. The result is not just operational efficiency, but a measurable reduction in unjust incarceration and the collateral consequences of contact with the criminal justice system.
By shifting from a case-centric to a people-centric approach, the CCMS empowers public defenders to pursue alternatives to incarceration, such as diversion and treatment, and to advocate for justice that is truly accessible to all. This transformation is a testament to how digital tools, when placed in the right hands, can change lives and help build a more equitable justice system.
The film “Never Done” tells the story of Kersten, a single mother in North Carolina who, after a health crisis, found herself on the brink of eviction. During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of families faced similar threats of homelessness, and existing systems were overwhelmed by the surge in emergency rental assistance applications.
Publicis Sapient collaborated with local agencies to design and implement a cloud-based portal that allowed residents to apply for aid from any device, anywhere. This digital solution streamlined a complex, multi-page application process, enabled real-time data access for staff, and ensured that funds were distributed quickly to those in need. In just one year, the platform delivered $75 million in rent relief, keeping more than 11,000 families in their homes.
The impact of this digital transformation goes beyond numbers. It represents a lifeline for families at risk of falling through the cracks, and a model for how technology can be mobilized rapidly to address urgent social needs. By making emergency assistance accessible, scalable, and efficient, digital platforms can help communities weather crises and emerge stronger.
Digital transformation is also reshaping how residents interact with government services. In Pennsylvania, Publicis Sapient partnered with the Commonwealth to reimagine and unify over 60 separate agency websites into a single, resident-centric digital experience. By organizing services around life events—such as experiencing a financial setback or relocating—the new PA.gov makes it easier for residents to find and access the help they need, regardless of which agency provides it.
This holistic, inclusive approach not only improves usability and accessibility for all residents, but also drives efficiency for government agencies through improved workflows and content reuse. The transformation of public web presence is a powerful example of how digital modernization can break down silos, foster trust, and ensure that essential services are within reach for everyone.
What unites these stories is a commitment to putting people at the center of digital transformation. Whether it’s connecting public defenders to the information they need to advocate for justice, delivering emergency assistance to families in crisis, or making government services more accessible, the goal is the same: to ensure that no one is left behind.
Publicis Sapient’s approach combines human-centered design, agile development, and robust data management to create solutions that are not only innovative, but also practical, scalable, and sustainable. By partnering with public sector organizations, we help them harness the power of digital to:
The digital revolution in public sectors is not just about technology—it’s about equity, dignity, and opportunity. By modernizing systems and processes, we can:
As the stories from the Impact Films series show, digital transformation is a force for good that can bridge gaps, inspire hope, and create lasting change. At Publicis Sapient, we are proud to be a holistic partner in this journey, working across sectors to build a more just, inclusive, and resilient society.
Ready to explore how digital transformation can drive impact in your sector? Let’s connect and shape a future where access and equity are realities for all.