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Crime Victim Civil Legal ServicesCrime Victim Civil Legal Services WebinarWebinar

January 21, 2009January 21, 2009

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Meeting AgendaMeeting Agenda IntroductionsIntroductions I.I. Background of Crime Victim FundsBackground of Crime Victim Funds II.II. Client eligibilityClient eligibility III.III. Legal advocacy expectations that might be Legal advocacy expectations that might be

offered under CVCLS fundsoffered under CVCLS funds IV.IV. Accessibility and Access to CVCLS Services Accessibility and Access to CVCLS Services

by by Clients Throughout TexasClients Throughout Texas V.V. ReportingReporting VI.VI. Client Issues- non legalClient Issues- non legal VII.VII. ResourcesResources VIII.VIII. Best PracticesBest Practices IX.IX. Client stories, public relations and media Client stories, public relations and media

advocacyadvocacy

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History and PurposeHistory and PurposeLisa Melton - TAJFLisa Melton - TAJF

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HISTORYHISTORY 1999: Texas Legislature authorized the use 1999: Texas Legislature authorized the use

of Crime Victims Compensation (CVC) funds of Crime Victims Compensation (CVC) funds for grants to non-profit organizations that for grants to non-profit organizations that provide victim-related civil legal services. provide victim-related civil legal services.

No appropriation for this purpose was No appropriation for this purpose was secured. secured.

2001: Texas Crime rate was 5,512 crimes 2001: Texas Crime rate was 5,512 crimes per 100,000 personsper 100,000 persons

4% increase in one year. 4% increase in one year.

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History ContinuedHistory Continued Climate of criticism of large amounts of CVC Climate of criticism of large amounts of CVC

funds dormant in the accountfunds dormant in the account 2001: State Bar of Texas Board of Directors 2001: State Bar of Texas Board of Directors

endorsed working with the Office of the Attorney endorsed working with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to secure an appropriation of the General (OAG) to secure an appropriation of the CVC funds during the 77th sessionCVC funds during the 77th session

77th Texas Legislature directed the Office of the 77th Texas Legislature directed the Office of the Attorney General, in partnership with the Attorney General, in partnership with the Supreme Court of Texas, to create the Crime Supreme Court of Texas, to create the Crime Victims Civil Legal Services (CVCLS) Program for Victims Civil Legal Services (CVCLS) Program for victims of crime and their immediate family victims of crime and their immediate family members. members.

TAJF appointed to handle grantmaking TAJF appointed to handle grantmaking responsibilities on behalf of the Court. responsibilities on behalf of the Court.

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PURPOSEPURPOSE TAJF provides CVCLS funding to:TAJF provides CVCLS funding to:

private Texas nonprofit corporations,private Texas nonprofit corporations, providing free victim-related civil legal providing free victim-related civil legal

services directly to:services directly to: victims, victims, immediate family members of victims, or immediate family members of victims, or claimantsclaimants

as defined by Article 56.32 of the Texas as defined by Article 56.32 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Code of Criminal Procedure.

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PURPOSEPURPOSE

Organizations applying for funds were toOrganizations applying for funds were toIdentify the needs of crime Identify the needs of crime victims and their familiesvictims and their families

Develop a plan to meet the needDevelop a plan to meet the needEnlist collaborative partners to Enlist collaborative partners to help identify the need and meet help identify the need and meet it.it.

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o Interagency Cooperation Contract between the Interagency Cooperation Contract between the Office of the Attorney General of Texas and the Office of the Attorney General of Texas and the Supreme Court of Texas CVCLS General Grant Supreme Court of Texas CVCLS General Grant Provisions CVCLS Restrictions Provisions CVCLS Restrictions

o Uniform Grant Management Standards Uniform Grant Management Standards o CVCLS Financial Eligibility GuidelinesCVCLS Financial Eligibility Guidelines

CVCLS Governing DocumentsCVCLS Governing Documents

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Client EligibilityClient EligibilityIliana HolguinIliana HolguinDebra WrayDebra Wray

Diana VelardoDiana Velardo

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Outline of PresentationOutline of Presentation

How does a Person Qualify?How does a Person Qualify? IncomeIncome Victim of a Crime under 56.32 TCCP. Victim of a Crime under 56.32 TCCP. Relationship Between Crime and Relationship Between Crime and

Legal Services (i.e. Suing a car dealer Legal Services (i.e. Suing a car dealer for a lemon not related to DV)for a lemon not related to DV)

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Financial EligibilityFinancial Eligibility2008 CVCLS Financial Eligibility Guidelines 2008 CVCLS Financial Eligibility Guidelines

(187½ % of Poverty) (187½ % of Poverty) Household SizeHousehold Size Annual IncomeAnnual Income MonthlyMonthly

WeeklyWeekly 1 1 $19,500$19,500 $1,625$1,625 $375$375 2 2 26,25026,250 2,1882,188 505505 3 3 33,00033,000 2,7502,750 635635 4 4 39,75039,750 3,3133,313 764764 5 5 46,50046,500 3,8753,875 894894 6 6 53,25053,250 4,4384,438 1,0241,024 7 7 60,00060,000 5,0005,000 1,1541,154 8 8 66,75066,750 5,5635,563 1,2841,284 For each additional person in the household, add: For each additional person in the household, add: $6,750$6,750 $563$563 $130 $130

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Assessing Financial eligibilityAssessing Financial eligibilitySuggested Ways to Assess Eligibility:Suggested Ways to Assess Eligibility: Simply Ask Client about their IncomeSimply Ask Client about their Income Pay StubsPay Stubs Tax returnsTax returns Rent AgreementsRent Agreements Car NotesCar Notes Daycare ExpensesDaycare Expenses Bank AccountBank Account Savings AccountSavings Account Loan PaymentsLoan Payments Household MembersHousehold Members

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Concerns with Continued Financial Concerns with Continued Financial EligibilityEligibility

Suggestions on Suggestions on Tax returns on yearly basisTax returns on yearly basis Pay stubs on yearly basisPay stubs on yearly basis Expense and Income disclosure Expense and Income disclosure

every year or six months every year or six months Make it clear in the contract that Make it clear in the contract that

continuedcontinued financial eligibility is a financial eligibility is a requirementrequirement

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Client Eligibility: Who is a victim?Client Eligibility: Who is a victim? Art. 56.32: “Victim” means an individual who suffers personal Art. 56.32: “Victim” means an individual who suffers personal

injury or death as a result of criminally injurious conduct (or as injury or death as a result of criminally injurious conduct (or as an intervenor) if:an intervenor) if:1.1. act occurred in TX, and victim is a resident of TX act occurred in TX, and victim is a resident of TX another state, DC, Puerto Rico or US territory/possession; OR,another state, DC, Puerto Rico or US territory/possession; OR,2.2. act occurred in a state w/o crime victims compensation act occurred in a state w/o crime victims compensation program and the victim is a resident of TX and would be entitled program and the victim is a resident of TX and would be entitled to compensation had act occurred in Texas: OR,to compensation had act occurred in Texas: OR,3.3. conduct caused by an act of international conduct caused by an act of international terrorism outside of US and victim is a resident of terrorism outside of US and victim is a resident of TexasTexas

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Client Eligibility: Who is a victim?Client Eligibility: Who is a victim? Also eligible for CVCLS services are:Also eligible for CVCLS services are: ““Immediate family member”: an individual who Immediate family member”: an individual who

is related to a victim within the second degree is related to a victim within the second degree by affinity or consanguinityby affinity or consanguinity

““Claimant”: (a) authorized individual acting on Claimant”: (a) authorized individual acting on behalf of a victim; (b) individual who legally behalf of a victim; (b) individual who legally assumes or voluntarily pays medical/burial assumes or voluntarily pays medical/burial expenses of a victim as a result of CIC; (c) expenses of a victim as a result of CIC; (c) dependant of a victim who died as a result of dependant of a victim who died as a result of CIC; (d) immediate family or household CIC; (d) immediate family or household member who requires psychiatric care or member who requires psychiatric care or incurs certain expenses as a result of CIC; or incurs certain expenses as a result of CIC; or authorized individual acting on behalf of child authorized individual acting on behalf of child described in (c) or (d)described in (c) or (d)

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Additional Definitions in Art. 56.32Additional Definitions in Art. 56.32

What is the definition of “personal injury”?What is the definition of “personal injury”? Physical or mental harmPhysical or mental harm

What is the definition of “criminally injurious What is the definition of “criminally injurious conduct”?conduct”?

Conduct that occurs or is attempted;Conduct that occurs or is attempted; Poses a substantial threat of personal injury or Poses a substantial threat of personal injury or

death;death; Is punishable by fine, imprisonment or death; Is punishable by fine, imprisonment or death;

and,and, Does not arise out of ownership, maintenance Does not arise out of ownership, maintenance

or use of motor vehicles unless intended to or use of motor vehicles unless intended to cause personal injury or deathcause personal injury or death

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Criminally Injurious Conduct (cont):Criminally Injurious Conduct (cont): Describe the criminal conduct. Describe the criminal conduct. There is no requirement that Grantees There is no requirement that Grantees

must reference a specific section of the must reference a specific section of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Grantees should insure that the Grantees should insure that the description of the criminal conduct clearly description of the criminal conduct clearly supports the definition of “criminally supports the definition of “criminally injurious conduct” so as to comply with injurious conduct” so as to comply with grant conditions. Use plain English. grant conditions. Use plain English.

For example: “Jane was assaulted by John For example: “Jane was assaulted by John on numerous times, the most recent on on numerous times, the most recent on January 20, 2009.”January 20, 2009.”

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InjuryInjury

Describe the injury. There are no Describe the injury. There are no magic words. magic words.

Relate the injury to the criminally Relate the injury to the criminally injurious conduct. injurious conduct.

For example: “Jane received cuts to For example: “Jane received cuts to her forehead, bruising on her arms her forehead, bruising on her arms and suffered mental distress.” and suffered mental distress.”

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Connection Of Legal Services to Connection Of Legal Services to the Criminal Injurythe Criminal Injury

Describe how the legal services provided to the Describe how the legal services provided to the client are related to the criminal injury. client are related to the criminal injury.

Use Plain EnglishUse Plain English Examples:Examples:

1.1. ““The protective order will help to protect Jane The protective order will help to protect Jane from further physical and mental abuse.”from further physical and mental abuse.”

2.2. ““The food stamps/other public benefits that we seek on The food stamps/other public benefits that we seek on Jane’s behalf will allow Jane to spend her money on rent Jane’s behalf will allow Jane to spend her money on rent rather than on food/other public benefits so that Jane rather than on food/other public benefits so that Jane doesn’t have to continue to live with and be financially doesn’t have to continue to live with and be financially dependent upon her abuser.”dependent upon her abuser.”

3.3. ““Eviction representation will allow Jane to stay in her Eviction representation will allow Jane to stay in her rental unit and protect her from eviction caused by the rental unit and protect her from eviction caused by the actions of her abuser the day that he injured her.”actions of her abuser the day that he injured her.”

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Examples ContinuedExamples Continued

1.1. ““Representing Jane before the Truancy Court due to Representing Jane before the Truancy Court due to the unexcused absences of her children that occurred the unexcused absences of her children that occurred after and as the result of her injuries and while she after and as the result of her injuries and while she was recovering and hiding from her abuser will allow was recovering and hiding from her abuser will allow her to avoid a truancy conviction.”her to avoid a truancy conviction.”

2.2. ““Representing Jane before an ALJ at her Social Security Representing Jane before an ALJ at her Social Security Disability hearing will allow her to receive disability Disability hearing will allow her to receive disability income that will assist her in remaining free from her income that will assist her in remaining free from her abuser.”abuser.”

3.3. ““Representing Jane at the TWC unemployment Representing Jane at the TWC unemployment benefits hearing will allow her to keep her job, from benefits hearing will allow her to keep her job, from which she was terminated following missed days at which she was terminated following missed days at work due to the injuries she sustained by her abuser.”work due to the injuries she sustained by her abuser.”

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SCREENING AND INTAKE FORMS. DOCUMENTING THE SCREENING AND INTAKE FORMS. DOCUMENTING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TYPE OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TYPE OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

INVOLVED, THE SPECIFIC INJURY SUFFERED BY THE VICTIM AND INVOLVED, THE SPECIFIC INJURY SUFFERED BY THE VICTIM AND THE LEGAL SERVICE TO BE RENDEREDTHE LEGAL SERVICE TO BE RENDERED

The Client’s file should contain documentation that describes: The Client’s file should contain documentation that describes: (1) the criminally injurious conduct; (1) the criminally injurious conduct; (2) the injury; and (2) the injury; and (3) the connection of legal services to the injury. (3) the connection of legal services to the injury.

USEUSE

CVCLS INTAKE SCREENING FORM, developed by the OAG CVCLS INTAKE SCREENING FORM, developed by the OAG must be completed and retained by Grantees for audit must be completed and retained by Grantees for audit allows for easy documentation of these three factors allows for easy documentation of these three factors Good practice: keep the completed form in the Client’s file. Good practice: keep the completed form in the Client’s file. Can be incorporated into the Case Management System of Can be incorporated into the Case Management System of

some Grantees. some Grantees.

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Completing the CVCLS Eligibility FormCompleting the CVCLS Eligibility Form Gather info during the interview process. Gather info during the interview process. No requirement that the Client make a sworn statementNo requirement that the Client make a sworn statement No requirement that the client sign a statement attesting to No requirement that the client sign a statement attesting to

the accuracy of the information on the formthe accuracy of the information on the form No requirement that the Client make or file a police report No requirement that the Client make or file a police report

with any law enforcement agency. with any law enforcement agency. No requirement that the Client receive medical attention for No requirement that the Client receive medical attention for

the injuries sustained as a direct result of the criminally the injuries sustained as a direct result of the criminally injurious conductinjurious conduct

If documentation does exist that verifies that the injury If documentation does exist that verifies that the injury was the result of criminally injurious conduct, you can was the result of criminally injurious conduct, you can attach attach

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Legal Advocacy Legal Advocacy ExpectationsExpectations

Family Law and BeyondFamily Law and Beyond

Linda Good (Lone Star), Linda Good (Lone Star), Melissa Lopez (Diocesan Melissa Lopez (Diocesan

Migrant & Refugee Services), Migrant & Refugee Services), and Kevin Dietz (TRLA)and Kevin Dietz (TRLA)

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CVCLS FUNDING CVCLS FUNDING EXPECTATIONSEXPECTATIONS

Expectation that your CVCLS funded legal Expectation that your CVCLS funded legal work is tied to a crimework is tied to a crime

Expectation that your legal work will Expectation that your legal work will ameliorate the effect of the victimization ameliorate the effect of the victimization and prevent future violenceand prevent future violence

Expectation that your efforts will be holistic Expectation that your efforts will be holistic and provide “wrap around” services and/or and provide “wrap around” services and/or referralsreferrals

Expectation that the services you provide Expectation that the services you provide will go beyond basic domestic relations will go beyond basic domestic relations issuesissues

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Holistic Intake = Emergency Holistic Intake = Emergency Room for Legal IssuesRoom for Legal Issues

Information captured at intake drives services Information captured at intake drives services providedprovided

Vital signs taken from ALL patients.Vital signs taken from ALL patients. Underlying health issues MUST be addressed.Underlying health issues MUST be addressed. Complicating or life-threatening conditions are Complicating or life-threatening conditions are

treated to stabilize the patient.treated to stabilize the patient.

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People apply for legal help People apply for legal help because of primary problemsbecause of primary problems

Eviction and ForeclosureEviction and Foreclosure Public BenefitsPublic Benefits ImmigrationImmigration Domestic RelationsDomestic Relations ConsumerConsumer RepossessionRepossession

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Universal screening reveals Universal screening reveals secondary issues:secondary issues:

Eviction because law enforcement was called to Eviction because law enforcement was called to the homethe home

Foreclosure because of lack of access to fundsForeclosure because of lack of access to funds Repossession because abuser is sabotaging Repossession because abuser is sabotaging

efforts to work or go to schoolefforts to work or go to school Job loss because abuser caused problems at Job loss because abuser caused problems at

the job sitethe job site

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Stabilizing secondary issues Stabilizing secondary issues ameliorates past, present, and future ameliorates past, present, and future

effects of violenceeffects of violence

Advocacy on Food stamps, TANF, Medicaid, Advocacy on Food stamps, TANF, Medicaid, public housing stabilizes financespublic housing stabilizes finances

Advocacy on the rights of tenants stabilizes Advocacy on the rights of tenants stabilizes housinghousing

Advocacy with employers can stabilize Advocacy with employers can stabilize employmentemployment

Economic dependency is the #1 reason for Economic dependency is the #1 reason for returning to or staying with the abuserreturning to or staying with the abuser

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Intake as E.R. screeningIntake as E.R. screening

Ask the questionsAsk the questionsCapture the dataCapture the dataUse the information to address ALL of the issuesUse the information to address ALL of the issuesDocument ALL of your effortsDocument ALL of your effortsDocument ALL referralsDocument ALL referralsReport ALL of your workReport ALL of your work

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Tools for IntakeTools for Intake Comprehensive Issue Spotting: A Tool for Comprehensive Issue Spotting: A Tool for

Civil Attorneys Representing Victims of Civil Attorneys Representing Victims of Domestic & Dating Violence, Sexual Domestic & Dating Violence, Sexual Assault & StalkingAssault & Stalking

http://www.abanet.org/domviol/pubs.htmlhttp://www.abanet.org/domviol/pubs.html The ABA tool can be used to develop The ABA tool can be used to develop

comprehensive intake, advocacy, and comprehensive intake, advocacy, and referral optionsreferral options

Use to “facilitate effective and Use to “facilitate effective and holisticholistic client centered representation.”client centered representation.”

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Tools for IntakeTools for Intake Texas Access to Justice provides Texas Access to Justice provides

technical assistance regarding case technical assistance regarding case management systems and/or intake management systems and/or intake systemssystems

Lone Star Legal Aid and Texas Lone Star Legal Aid and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid have screening RioGrande Legal Aid have screening modules built into point of intake and modules built into point of intake and case management tools and can case management tools and can provide technical assistance.provide technical assistance.

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Accessibility and AccessAccessibility and AccessAnne Chandler (UofH)Anne Chandler (UofH)Shelly Siegfried (FVPS)Shelly Siegfried (FVPS)

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Accessibility & AccessAccessibility & Access Best Practice Models- CONNECTING…Best Practice Models- CONNECTING…

1)1) Effective referral systems & collaborations Effective referral systems & collaborations to increase client access (Shelly);to increase client access (Shelly);

2)2) Serving vulnerable populations that fall Serving vulnerable populations that fall outside of traditional referral networks outside of traditional referral networks (Anne)(Anne)

3)3) Expanding services to geographic areas Expanding services to geographic areas distant from your agency’s office (Linda)distant from your agency’s office (Linda)

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Effective Referral Systems & Collaborations to Increase Client Effective Referral Systems & Collaborations to Increase Client AccessAccess

Outside Resources Outside Resources Local Law Enforcement Local Law Enforcement

AgenciesAgenciesChild Protective ServicesChild Protective Services

Office of the Attorney GeneralOffice of the Attorney GeneralDistrict AttorneyDistrict Attorney

Domestic Relations OfficeDomestic Relations OfficeCourt Staff AttorneyCourt Staff Attorney

Other AgenciesOther AgenciesSafe Exchange / Visitation Safe Exchange / Visitation

FacilitiesFacilitiesLegal Community / Bar Legal Community / Bar

AssociationsAssociationsDomestic Violence Hotlines / Domestic Violence Hotlines /

DirectoriesDirectories

Inside Resources Inside Resources Legal AdvocateLegal Advocate

Counselors / PsychologistsCounselors / PsychologistsCaseworkersCaseworkersCourt LiaisonCourt Liaison

Individual Walk / Call InsIndividual Walk / Call InsSeminars / WorkshopsSeminars / Workshops

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Serving Vulnerable Populations Serving Vulnerable Populations

Who Makes It To Your Who Makes It To Your Door? Door?

• Who is not knocking at Who is not knocking at your door for help? and your door for help? and why?why?

• Within your community, Within your community, who are the vulnerable who are the vulnerable ones- are they being ones- are they being served?served?

• The chalkboard: should The chalkboard: should you or should you not you or should you not amend your game plan?amend your game plan?

Assuming, you amend Assuming, you amend your game plan...your game plan...

• What factors make What factors make

vulnerable populations, vulnerable populations, vulnerable? vulnerable?

• Given your shoestring Given your shoestring budget, what’s your budget, what’s your recipe for success?recipe for success?

• Friends with $, a new Friends with $, a new partner or two, an open partner or two, an open mind (and did I mention, mind (and did I mention, a few late nights) a few late nights)

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Everything I Know About Expanding Services Everything I Know About Expanding Services I Learned in KindergartenI Learned in Kindergarten

The Rules:The Rules:• Share everything.Share everything.

• Don't hit people.Don't hit people.

• Put things back where you Put things back where you found them.found them.

• When you go out in the When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick hold hands and stick together. together.

How to Apply The How to Apply The Rules:Rules:

• Give up your secrets-to-Give up your secrets-to-success, materials and success, materials and other items you have other items you have created. created.

• No surprises! Get buy-in No surprises! Get buy-in early on and know all the early on and know all the players.players.

• Be honest about what Be honest about what you can commit to in this you can commit to in this new area and what new area and what happens if/ when you happens if/ when you have to go away.have to go away.

• Stress the commonalities Stress the commonalities and assure everyone and assure everyone understands we’re understands we’re stronger by working stronger by working together!together!

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ReportingReportingLinda GoodLinda Good

Melissa LopezMelissa LopezDiana VelardoDiana Velardo

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Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline Reporting RequirementsReporting Requirements Quarterly Reports ContentQuarterly Reports Content Different Models on How to Different Models on How to

Keep Track and Report Keep Track and Report Case ClosuresCase Closures

What constitutes a “closed What constitutes a “closed Case”?Case”?

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Reporting RequirementsReporting Requirements Quarterly Reports Quarterly Reports

Grant year runs from September 1Grant year runs from September 1stst – –August 31August 31stst of any given year of any given year

Reports are generally due 15 days Reports are generally due 15 days after the end of the quarter period after the end of the quarter period (Example: September 1, 2007 to November (Example: September 1, 2007 to November 3030thth 2007 was due on December 16 2007 was due on December 16thth 2007) 2007)

Four Reports during the grant year Four Reports during the grant year (Usually Dec, March, June, and Sept)(Usually Dec, March, June, and Sept)

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Quarterly Report ContentQuarterly Report Content

Report is a combination of:Report is a combination of: Financial dataFinancial data List of Targeted Organizations for List of Targeted Organizations for

OutreachOutreach Number of closed cases by County Number of closed cases by County

and Rejected casesand Rejected cases Client success storiesClient success stories

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Different Models on Different Models on How to Keep Track and Report Case How to Keep Track and Report Case

ClosuresClosuresModel One: Organizations with one or Model One: Organizations with one or

few number of Persons on the Grant few number of Persons on the Grant or with One Type of Legal Workor with One Type of Legal Work

Case Worker keeps track of stats Case Worker keeps track of stats through Excel spreadsheets &through Excel spreadsheets &

Case Worker runs Reports from Excel Case Worker runs Reports from Excel at the end of quarterat the end of quarter

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Model Two: Combination of Model Two: Combination of Paper Based and Computer Paper Based and Computer

Based ReportingBased Reporting Create and maintain paper version of Create and maintain paper version of

a close out form with all CVCLS infoa close out form with all CVCLS info Turn close out form and file to office Turn close out form and file to office

managermanager Keep copy of paper form in a CVCLS Keep copy of paper form in a CVCLS

binder and client’s closed filebinder and client’s closed file Upload information on an excel Upload information on an excel

spreadsheet for back-up and storage spreadsheet for back-up and storage location of file location of file

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Model Three: Large Orgs with Ability Model Three: Large Orgs with Ability to Create Special Computer to Create Special Computer

ProgramsPrograms

The use of a Computerized database specifically designed for grants The use of a Computerized database specifically designed for grants At initial intake , gather and input all data needed to qualify client At initial intake , gather and input all data needed to qualify client Specific Screens serve to walk case handlers through the Specific Screens serve to walk case handlers through the

requirements of the grant and provide fields in which to enter the requirements of the grant and provide fields in which to enter the necessary data. necessary data.

The click of one check box on those screens triggers the case to The click of one check box on those screens triggers the case to populate a report that is run from the database listing all cases that populate a report that is run from the database listing all cases that qualify under the grant. qualify under the grant.

The intake workers ask key questions that alert the case handlers to The intake workers ask key questions that alert the case handlers to assess the client’s situation under the grant. assess the client’s situation under the grant.

The case handlers ensure the CVCLS screens are completed when the The case handlers ensure the CVCLS screens are completed when the matter is closed. matter is closed.

The IT department runs the report at the end of each quarter.The IT department runs the report at the end of each quarter.

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What Constitutes a Closed What Constitutes a Closed Case? Case?

Depending on policies and office management and personnel Depending on policies and office management and personnel Matter vs. Client or Information vs. Provision of Legal AssistanceMatter vs. Client or Information vs. Provision of Legal Assistance Same Client but different “cause number” , then two casesSame Client but different “cause number” , then two cases Same client, but different adverse parties, then more than one caseSame client, but different adverse parties, then more than one case(i.e. Client is represented in a food stamp case, a medicaid case, TANF case = (i.e. Client is represented in a food stamp case, a medicaid case, TANF case =

3 cases) 3 cases) Each matter can be considered a closed case if the matter is not a Each matter can be considered a closed case if the matter is not a

necessary part of the legal representation necessary part of the legal representation (i.e. client gets her Legal Permanent Residency approved and then seeks to (i.e. client gets her Legal Permanent Residency approved and then seeks to

get citizenship. =Two cases to be closed) get citizenship. =Two cases to be closed) Each person’s file constitutes a single case, regardless of related or Each person’s file constitutes a single case, regardless of related or

unrelated matters unrelated matters (i.e. client gets a divorce, and then has an immigration petition filed, then (i.e. client gets a divorce, and then has an immigration petition filed, then

seeks to amend custody agreement. =One case to be closed)seeks to amend custody agreement. =One case to be closed) Each related matter of same person constitutes a closed case, a new case Each related matter of same person constitutes a closed case, a new case

is opened for same person with unrelated matter is opened for same person with unrelated matter (i.e. client’s divorce case is closed and then client wants to file an immigration (i.e. client’s divorce case is closed and then client wants to file an immigration

petition. =Two cases to be closed ) petition. =Two cases to be closed )

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Client Issues – Non LegalClient Issues – Non Legal

Shelly Siegfried (FVPS)Shelly Siegfried (FVPS)Jonathan Miller (CCSA)Jonathan Miller (CCSA)

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Client Issues – non legalClient Issues – non legal Safety Safety

Shelters, Law EnforcementShelters, Law Enforcement Financial / Medical Support Financial / Medical Support

Human Services, Crime Victims CompensationHuman Services, Crime Victims Compensation Employment / Education Employment / Education

Employment Agencies, Education / Training ProgramsEmployment Agencies, Education / Training Programs Emotional / Psychological SupportEmotional / Psychological Support

Counseling, Support GroupsCounseling, Support Groups Housing Housing

Shelters, Transitional ProgramsShelters, Transitional Programs Substance Abuse Substance Abuse

Inpatient and Outpatient ProgramsInpatient and Outpatient Programs

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SO WE KNOW WHAT SOME OF THE SO WE KNOW WHAT SOME OF THE PROBLEMS ARE: Day to Day Living IssuesPROBLEMS ARE: Day to Day Living Issues

UTILITIESUTILITIES FOODFOOD HEALTHCAREHEALTHCARE CHILDCARE SOCIAL SERVICESSOCIAL SERVICES

BUT WHO KNOWS THE SOLUTIONS???BUT WHO KNOWS THE SOLUTIONS???I I SURE DON’T - ALL I KNOW IS LOTS OFSURE DON’T - ALL I KNOW IS LOTS OF

PHONE NUMBERS TO CALL AND HERE THEY ARE:PHONE NUMBERS TO CALL AND HERE THEY ARE:

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Client Client Issues-NonIssues-Non Legal Legal Victims of Family Violence Can Get Waiver for Electric and Telephone Victims of Family Violence Can Get Waiver for Electric and Telephone

Service Deposit: (800-525-1978) Service Deposit: (800-525-1978) www.tcfv.org/WaiverofGasServiceDeposit.pdfwww.tcfv.org/WaiverofGasServiceDeposit.pdf

Lite-Up Texas (Low-Income Telephone and Electric Utility Program:Lite-Up Texas (Low-Income Telephone and Electric Utility Program:LIHEAP (866-454-8387) LIHEAP (866-454-8387) www.puc.state.tx.us/ocp/assist/liteup/index.cfmwww.puc.state.tx.us/ocp/assist/liteup/index.cfm

Link Up Program (Reduced Cost Installation of Telephone Service:Link Up Program (Reduced Cost Installation of Telephone Service:www.puc.state.tx.us/ocp/assist/linkup/linkup.cfmwww.puc.state.tx.us/ocp/assist/linkup/linkup.cfm

Wills Clinic (Free Legal Will Services for Low-Income PersonsWills Clinic (Free Legal Will Services for Low-Income Persons By appointment Only: call 271-9846 or 212-3700 (espanol) to be evaluated By appointment Only: call 271-9846 or 212-3700 (espanol) to be evaluated

Citizenship Classes in San Antonio 210-241-2759Citizenship Classes in San Antonio 210-241-2759

Women’s Support Group of the Family Violence Prevention Services in Women’s Support Group of the Family Violence Prevention Services in San Antonio: 210-930-3669San Antonio: 210-930-3669

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Internet Internet ReferencesReferencesTexas Online/ Victim ResourceTexas Online/ Victim Resourcess

(OAG, DPS, TDCJ)(OAG, DPS, TDCJ)City of Austin Crime Victim ServicesCity of Austin Crime Victim Services

(Austin)(Austin)Corpus Christi Crime Victim ServicesCorpus Christi Crime Victim Services

(Corpus Christi)(Corpus Christi)Dallas Police Department Crime Victims Services Dallas Police Department Crime Victims Services

(Dallas)(Dallas)El Paso Police Department Crime Victims Services El Paso Police Department Crime Victims Services

(El Paso)(El Paso)Harris County Crime Victim Services Harris County Crime Victim Services

(Houston)(Houston)San Antonio Police Department Crime Victim Services San Antonio Police Department Crime Victim Services

(San Antonio)(San Antonio)

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o TexasLawHelp.orgTexasLawHelp.orgo TexasLawyersHelp.orgTexasLawyersHelp.org

Law Help Outside our Particular Areas Law Help Outside our Particular Areas of Practiceof Practice

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ResourcesResourcesDebra Wray (LSLA)Debra Wray (LSLA)

Jonathan Miller (CCSA)Jonathan Miller (CCSA)

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° ° National ResourcesNational Resources ° Office for Victims of Crime Resource Center (OVCRC), National° Office for Victims of Crime Resource Center (OVCRC), National

Criminal Justice Reference Service, 1-800-851-3420Criminal Justice Reference Service, 1-800-851-3420 www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/help/dv.htm° Office on Violence Against Women° Office on Violence Against Women www.ovw.usdoj.gov/www.ovw.usdoj.gov/° National Domestic Violence Hotline° National Domestic Violence Hotline

www.ndvh.org/www.ndvh.org/° Violence Against Women° Violence Against Women

www.vawnet.org/° Federal Bureau of Investigation, Crimes Against Children ° Federal Bureau of Investigation, Crimes Against Children (CAC)(CAC)

www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/crimesmain.htmwww.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/crimesmain.htm

ResourcesResourcesWhat resources are available on the internet and how can grantees develop updated and What resources are available on the internet and how can grantees develop updated and

accurate local, state and national resources for clients?accurate local, state and national resources for clients?

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Texas ResourcesTexas Resources° An Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource ° An Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource CollectionCollection

www.aardvarc.org/dv/states/txdv.shtmlwww.aardvarc.org/dv/states/txdv.shtml° WomensLaw.org ° WomensLaw.org

www.womenslaw.org/gethelp_state.php?state_codewww.womenslaw.org/gethelp_state.php?state_code=TX=TX° Texas Council on Family Violence° Texas Council on Family Violence

www.tcfv.org/resources/abuse-in-texaswww.tcfv.org/resources/abuse-in-texas//° Texas Attorney General Victim Assistance Program° Texas Attorney General Victim Assistance Program www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/index.shtmlwww.oag.state.tx.us/victims/index.shtml

Local ResourcesLocal Resources° Women’s Centers and Shelters° Women’s Centers and Shelters° Children’s Advocacy Programs° Children’s Advocacy Programs° Court Appointed and Special Crime Victim Advocates° Court Appointed and Special Crime Victim Advocates° United Way and associated non-profit agencies° United Way and associated non-profit agencies° District Attorney’s Office, Crime Victims Services° District Attorney’s Office, Crime Victims Services

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Best PracticesBest Practices

Ann Chandler (UH Law Ann Chandler (UH Law Center) and Kevin Dietz Center) and Kevin Dietz

(TRLA)(TRLA)

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Best Practice – the BuzzwordBest Practice – the Buzzword Best PracticeBest Practice is an idea that asserts is an idea that asserts

that there is a method, process, that there is a method, process, activity, incentive or reward that is activity, incentive or reward that is more effective at delivering a particular more effective at delivering a particular outcome than any other technique, outcome than any other technique, method, process, etc. The idea is that method, process, etc. The idea is that with proper processes, checks, and with proper processes, checks, and testing, a desired outcome can be testing, a desired outcome can be delivered with fewer problems and delivered with fewer problems and unforeseen complications. unforeseen complications.

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Beyond the BuzzBeyond the Buzz High Quality Civil Legal Services for High Quality Civil Legal Services for

Victims of CrimeVictims of Crime

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The Road MapThe Road Map Formally Adopt Standards of PracticeFormally Adopt Standards of Practice Comprehensive Intake Comprehensive Intake Case Management Case Management Follow up Follow up

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American Bar Association: The American Bar Association: The SourceSource

ABA has formally adopted standards ABA has formally adopted standards of practice relevant to the use of of practice relevant to the use of CVCLS fundsCVCLS funds

Standards for Lawyers Representing Standards for Lawyers Representing Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and StalkingAssault and Stalking (2007) (2007)

Standards for the Provision of Civil Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal AidLegal Aid (2006) (2006)

www.abanet.org www.abanet.org

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Comprehensive IntakeComprehensive Intake Best practices are only as good as the Best practices are only as good as the

intake done by your staffintake done by your staff Comprehensive, holistic intake is best Comprehensive, holistic intake is best

practicepractice Tools are available to assist you with Tools are available to assist you with

developing best practices related to intakedeveloping best practices related to intake E.g., E.g., Comprehensive Issue Spotting, A Tool Comprehensive Issue Spotting, A Tool

for Civil Attorneys Representing Victims for Civil Attorneys Representing Victims http://www.abanet.org/domviol/pubs.htmlhttp://www.abanet.org/domviol/pubs.html

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Case ManagementCase Management A case management tool is essentialA case management tool is essential Texas Access to Justice Foundation Texas Access to Justice Foundation

and the Texas Access to Justice and the Texas Access to Justice Commission can provide technical Commission can provide technical assistanceassistance

The LSC funded programs all use The LSC funded programs all use case management programs and can case management programs and can assist with technical informationassist with technical information

Texas C-Bar at www.texascbar.orgTexas C-Bar at www.texascbar.org

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Cooperative Agreements with Cooperative Agreements with Other AgenciesOther Agencies

Given specialization and lack of Given specialization and lack of resources relative to unmet needs, resources relative to unmet needs, we must create formal and informal we must create formal and informal agreements with other service agreements with other service agenciesagencies

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High Quality Requires High Quality Requires MeasurementMeasurement

Given the need for services it is all to easy Given the need for services it is all to easy to ignore surveying needto ignore surveying need

Failure to measure need leads to blind Failure to measure need leads to blind spots, e.g., lack of Protective Orders in spots, e.g., lack of Protective Orders in many rural countiesmany rural counties

Measurements can come from external Measurements can come from external sources such as the Texas Council on sources such as the Texas Council on Family Violence, Center for Public Policy Family Violence, Center for Public Policy Priorities, Department of Public SafetyPriorities, Department of Public Safety

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High Quality Requires High Quality Requires Measurement, Con’tMeasurement, Con’t

Failure to measure outcomes leads Failure to measure outcomes leads to similar blind spots, e.g., lack of to similar blind spots, e.g., lack of documentation of CVCLS services documentation of CVCLS services provided in many rural countiesprovided in many rural counties

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Follow UpFollow Up Does your organization do follow up Does your organization do follow up

surveys with clients? With partners?surveys with clients? With partners? If not, why not?If not, why not? Impossible to met the goal of high Impossible to met the goal of high

quality civil legal services if you are quality civil legal services if you are not asking your clients and partners not asking your clients and partners follow up questions about how you follow up questions about how you are doing.are doing.

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Client Stories, public Client Stories, public relations and media relations and media

advocacyadvocacy

Iliana Holguin (DMRS)Iliana Holguin (DMRS)Linda Brandmiller (CCSA)Linda Brandmiller (CCSA)

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Maximizing Advocacy EffortsMaximizing Advocacy Efforts Best Practice Models- SHARING…Best Practice Models- SHARING…

How can grantees maximize advocacy to How can grantees maximize advocacy to publicize the program and promote the work publicize the program and promote the work and importance of the funding?and importance of the funding?

1)1) Drafting Effective Client Stories Drafting Effective Client Stories 2)2) Public Relations and Media AdvocacyPublic Relations and Media Advocacy

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Drafting Effective Client StoriesDrafting Effective Client Stories

Questions to ask when drafting client stories:What is the crime that makes a client eligible for CVCLS funds?What legal services were provided?When were the legal services provided?

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Drafting Client Stories (cont.)Drafting Client Stories (cont.) Ineffective Client Story:

“Our client is a victim of domestic violence. We referred her to Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse. We assisted AVDA in providing translations services while continuing to provide case management to our client.”

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Drafting Client Stories (cont.)Drafting Client Stories (cont.) Effective Client Story:Effective Client Story:

Maribel* had been happily married for two years until her Maribel* had been happily married for two years until her husband lost his job and began drinking heavily. He husband lost his job and began drinking heavily. He began to abuse her physically and emotionally, and began to abuse her physically and emotionally, and would not allow her to seek medical attention for her would not allow her to seek medical attention for her severe injuries. Maribel tried to leave him several times, severe injuries. Maribel tried to leave him several times, but her husband threatened to kill her and their daughter but her husband threatened to kill her and their daughter if she left. Finally, Maribel was able to flee to a woman’s if she left. Finally, Maribel was able to flee to a woman’s shelter with her child. She came to our office for help last shelter with her child. She came to our office for help last month, and we were able to file a petition for divorce and month, and we were able to file a petition for divorce and full custody of her daughter for Maribel, as well as obtain full custody of her daughter for Maribel, as well as obtain a protective order against her ex-husband. Maribel has a protective order against her ex-husband. Maribel has relocated to another city with her daughter, where she relocated to another city with her daughter, where she volunteers at a local woman’s shelter.volunteers at a local woman’s shelter.

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Drafting Client Stories, Cont.Drafting Client Stories, Cont. Effective Client Story in non-DV settingEffective Client Story in non-DV setting Nancy* was offered a job as a nanny and housekeeper by a U.S. family Nancy* was offered a job as a nanny and housekeeper by a U.S. family

vacationing in the Philippines. Nancy was offered $1,200 per month to care vacationing in the Philippines. Nancy was offered $1,200 per month to care for the family's children and to perform general housekeeping duties. Once for the family's children and to perform general housekeeping duties. Once Nancy arrived in the US, her passport was taken from her, and she was told Nancy arrived in the US, her passport was taken from her, and she was told that her pay would be reduced in order to cover the costs of her travel. that her pay would be reduced in order to cover the costs of her travel. Ultimately, Nancy was paid between $50-$200 per month for being on-call Ultimately, Nancy was paid between $50-$200 per month for being on-call 24 hours per day caring for the children and tending to the house. Nancy 24 hours per day caring for the children and tending to the house. Nancy was also prohibited from making telephone calls to her family and from was also prohibited from making telephone calls to her family and from socializing with anyone outside of the home. The family frequently lent socializing with anyone outside of the home. The family frequently lent Nancy to their friends, and kept the money that was paid to her. Nancy to their friends, and kept the money that was paid to her. Unbeknownst to the family, Nancy made a friend online. This friend Unbeknownst to the family, Nancy made a friend online. This friend eventually purchased a bus ticket in Nancy's name, and Nancy was able to eventually purchased a bus ticket in Nancy's name, and Nancy was able to escape from her employer's home and make it to the bus station. While on escape from her employer's home and make it to the bus station. While on the bus traveling through West Texas, Nancy was detained by U.S. Border the bus traveling through West Texas, Nancy was detained by U.S. Border Patrol for not being in possession of any legal immigration documents. Patrol for not being in possession of any legal immigration documents. When Nancy explained that her employer had taken her documents from When Nancy explained that her employer had taken her documents from her and forced her to work for years without adequate pay, Border Patrol her and forced her to work for years without adequate pay, Border Patrol contacted the El Paso Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce. The Taskforce, of contacted the El Paso Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce. The Taskforce, of which our office is a member, immediately began working together to which our office is a member, immediately began working together to provide protection and legal assistance to Nancy. Last month, we obtained provide protection and legal assistance to Nancy. Last month, we obtained certification for Nancy as a victim of human trafficking, who is now in the certification for Nancy as a victim of human trafficking, who is now in the process of applying for benefits under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.process of applying for benefits under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

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Top 10 Things to Remember About Top 10 Things to Remember About Public Relations and Media Public Relations and Media

AdvocacyAdvocacy10) The media have tight deadlines- know 10) The media have tight deadlines- know them and plan ahead (ex. TV news broadcast them and plan ahead (ex. TV news broadcast vs. newspaper);vs. newspaper);9) Find the interesting client story (school 9) Find the interesting client story (school child, volunteer, entrepreneur, etc.);child, volunteer, entrepreneur, etc.);8) Circulate your name among the media 8) Circulate your name among the media outlets as an expert in your area;outlets as an expert in your area;7) Be flexible when last-minute fillers are 7) Be flexible when last-minute fillers are needed (be their best friend when they need a needed (be their best friend when they need a fast turn-around);fast turn-around);6) Less is more- beware of the one-statement-6) Less is more- beware of the one-statement-too-many danger;too-many danger;

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Top 10 Things to Remember About Top 10 Things to Remember About Public Relations and Media Public Relations and Media

Advocacy, ContinuedAdvocacy, Continued5) Media is more than TV and radio- (campus 5) Media is more than TV and radio- (campus outlets, neighborhood news, church outlets, neighborhood news, church bulletins)- be creative;bulletins)- be creative;4) Get on the speakers circuit (association 4) Get on the speakers circuit (association meetings, conferences, community groups);meetings, conferences, community groups);3) Small investment = large payback (bumper 3) Small investment = large payback (bumper stickers, magnets, certificates of appreciation, stickers, magnets, certificates of appreciation, etc.);etc.);2) Clients tell their stories best;2) Clients tell their stories best;1) Remember the sound-bite rule (taken out of 1) Remember the sound-bite rule (taken out of context how will your statement sound/look?)context how will your statement sound/look?)