California Veterans Legal Task Force

CVLTF 2020 Key AccomplishmentsKey StatisticsVeterans Legal Assistance Referral Clinics (VLARC) Statistics for 2020 (Jan-Dec)23 Veteran Clients Served 68 Total # of Legal Matters Criminal Defense Attorney Consultations for 2020 (Jan-Dec)191 Case Consultations with Appointed Defense Counsel239.9 hours dedicated legal workExpanding Californias Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs)Veterans Legal Assistance and Referral Clinics (VLARC) (San Diego County) San Diego based Veterans Legal Assistance and referral Clinic (VLARC) providing omnibus legal assistance to veterans in San Diego County. Conducted legal assessments, recruited pro bono counsel, completed applications for various benefits to assist veterans removing barriers to housing, employment and benefits. In December 2018, we hosted five law students from USC and California Western law schools who conducted new research to build our brief bank and support our pro bono counsel. VLARC clinics are partners in the Military & Veterans Resource Centers (MVRC) which are part of the San Diego County Live Well Centers in Escondido and National City. MVRC Team includes 23 merit-selected nonprofit organizations providing Veteran services. Our partners in MVRC include Mental Health Services, Inc., Veterans Village of San Diego, Goodwill Industries, San Diego Financial Literacy Foundation, and Interfaith Community Services. With the County Office of Military and Veterans Services, MVRC provides VA/public benefits, housing, jobs, mental health and financial services. CVLTF is the only partner handling Veterans' legal issues. CVLTF Technical Assistance and Recognition CVLTF continues to provide community and statewide technical assistance to public officials and lawmakers on legal issues of concern to military, veterans, and their families. CVLTF consultants provided data, educational information, and testimony to California State Assembly and Senate members and hearings for Federal Congressional Representatives.Upgraded CVLTF.org WebsiteContinue to add to www.CVLTF.org website with research, video and educational information to veterans and their advocates at the intersection of mental health/trauma and the justice system. Increased by 150% the nationwide use of CVLTF VTC Mentor training video program and research to assist criminal justice professionals in understanding the connection between military related mental health conditions and criminal behavior/treatment. This website continues to be cited in legislature publications and opinions by local and state judges and the State Assembly Appropriations Committee as a trusted resource on justice involved veterans.Continued VTC Team and Mentor TrainingProvided training for VTC teams in the (federal) United States Southern District of California, which stood up as the fourth federal Veterans Treatment Court in the U.S.Provided in partnership with Justice4Vets mentor training to Veterans Treatment Court teams in Cook County IL Honolulu, HI and Charleston, NC.Published data reports for San Diego Military Diversion program and CA Veterans Treatment Court Survey and added numerous clinical studies on our websiteCommunity Education and CollaborationPresented training on Military Discharge Upgrades to veteran service representatives from tribes throughout California to equip them in assisting Indian veterans to access their benefits and correct their service recordsEngaged VISTA staff member to develop peer specialist program to enable follow up with our VLARC clients who received community referrals to improve follow up actions by these veteran clientsProvided training regarding legal topics to County and nonprofit staff members of the Military & Veterans Resource Centers and two Criminal Defense Bar associations of San Diego County Recognized by San Diego County Board of Supervisors as an official partner of the County of San Diego Live Well ProgramCo-sponsored Veterans Forum event with the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors to celebrate Veterans Day on behalf of approximately 225,000 Veteransand 113,000 active duty service members who are residents of San Diego County.Increased visibility and use of VTC Mentor training video training program on CVLTF website and helped VTCs in Alameda, Solano and Sonoma counties start mentor programs.Consultations to Assist in Improving Defense of Justice-Involved Military and Veterans oConsult with defense counsel whose clients seek entry into local San Diego Superior Court Veterans Treatment Court oConsult with attorneys appearing in any branch Military Diversion departments or U.S. District Court for Southern District of California VTC to explain process and how to advise clients regarding benefits and requirementsoProvided legal consultation to defense counsel for indigent veterans regarding treatment options as part of criminal matters in San Diego Superior Court and military collateral consequences of convictions and pleas for active duty defendantsJustice-Involved Military/Veteran Diversion Work191 Consultations with defense counsel representing indigent veterans in San Diego criminal cases involving 239.9 hours of lawyeringoAdvised regarding defense options under California Penal Code sections 1001.80, 1170.9 and 1170.91 to educate clients and counsel oHelp counsel/client navigate military and Veterans Affairs system to acquire records and expert reports needed to apply for mental health treatment oCommunicate with active duty clients command to educate military superiors regarding CA law, arrange DoD treatment option, and process for Veterans Treatment Court or Military Diversion Program in light of collateral consequences and potential for Military Courts Martial or Administratively Separation Testified at legislative committees providing technical assistance to legislators considering efficacy of Veterans Treatment Courts in California and amendment of California Penal Code sections 1001.80 and 1170.91Assisted in preparing briefs for California Superior Court hearings