PA Legal Aid Network e-News

Acrobat 9 for Legal Professionals eSeminar -September 14, 2009

2009-09-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

The International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) and Adobe Systems Incorporated will be holding a 1-hour webinar entitled, "Save Time, Meet Deadlines: An Overview of Acrobat 9 from a Legal Perspective" on September 14, 2009 at 1:00 pm Eastern.

Presenters:
Rick Borstein, Business Development Manager, Adobe Systems
Mark Middleton, Business Development Manager, Adobe Systems

This online event is absolutely free.

Register for the Webinar
More Information

Social Security to Test Use of Microsoft's HealthVault in Disability Process

2009-08-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

The Social Security Administration has announced that the agency has entered into an agreement with Microsoft to test the use of Microsoft’s HealthVault application in the disability process.

HealthVault is a free online service that enables people to gather, store and manage their families’ health information, and share that information with their physicians and healthcare providers.

These "personal health records" contain the same types of information that Social Security generally obtains from people applying for disability benefits.

Social Security and Microsoft are developing a technical prototype connecting the two organizations that will be available later this year. The agency also will collaborate with Microsoft to study current personal health record standards, gaps in those standards, and options for filling those gaps.

Social Security is a recognized leader in the use of health information technology. It is the first government agency to use the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN), a safe and secure method for receiving instantaneous access to electronic medical records. The NHIN is an initiative of the Department of Health and Human Services and is supported by multiple government agencies and private sector entities.

Full News Release

NALP Seeks Input for Strategic Plan

2009-08-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) is seeking input from employers in the public-interest legal community on its long-range, strategic planning process for the next five years.

NALP is a non-profit, educational association serving law schools, legal employers, and lawyers by providing information, coordination and standards regarding the legal employment process. NALP’s membership includes most ABA-approved law schools in the U.S. and hundreds of legal employers from the public and private sectors.

Specifically, the organization is seeking expertise, judgments and perspectives on:

Perceptions of NALP (e.g., Awareness of—and value placed on—its employment and salary research data, websites, publications, leaders, etc.);
Important professional challenges or trends confronting public interest employers over the next few years (e.g., funding, recruiting high-quality staff, etc.); and
NALP’s role in helping to address these challenges.

Interested parties should contact Terrence Galligan, Assistant Dean for Career Development at UC Berkeley School of Law and a member of NALP’s Strategic Planning Committee, at tgalligan@law.berkeley.edu or (510) 642-7746.

From LSC Updates, August 20, 2009

MIE to Host Managers Conference in October

2009-08-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

The Management Information Exchange will hold its Biennial Conference for Legal Services Managers in Albuquerque on October 1 and 2.

The conference, entitled, "Up, Up and Away! Real Skills for Managing Now,” is designed for new and experienced managers of legal aid programs and will offer a variety of workshops focusing on the real skills needed to manage effectively now.

Topics include: planning strategically when resources are scarce, difficult conversations and effective communication, managing creative systemic advocacy, and generational approaches to technology and service delivery.

For more information, contact Patricia Pap at ppap@m-i-e.org or visit www.m-i-e.org/Calendar.

From LSC Updates, August 20, 2009

ABA Commission On Domestic Violence Announces Launch Of National Domestic Violence Pro Bono Directory

2009-08-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

The American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence has announced the launch of the first-ever National Domestic Violence Pro Bono Directory, a comprehensive national database of programs providing pro bono legal services to victims of domestic violence and made public online at www.probono.net/dv.

Although men also experience domestic violence, research shows the majority of victims are women. Around the world, at least one in four women has experienced some form of violence or abuse during her lifetime, and studies show some 10 million children witness domestic violence each year. This pro bono Web site, along with ABA and their partners’ other initiatives, is another positive step in the effort to prevent domestic violence and create awareness of the issue.

The online directory includes the types of cases these programs accept – e.g., immigration, housing, restraining orders, family law -- the scope of representation; the frequency and content of trainings for pro bono lawyers; and the on-going supervision and/or support provided to pro bono lawyers.

Initially made possible through a grant from the Avon Foundation, which funded the research and start-up costs of the project, the commission joined with Pro Bono Net, a national nonprofit organization working closely with nonprofit legal organizations across the United States and Canada, to create and develop the online directory. Pro Bono Net works to increase access to justice for the millions of underprivileged individuals who need but cannot afford a lawyer.

The Verizon Wireless HopeLine® program will continue to fund the directory for at least the next two years, ensuring it remains the most up-to-date, comprehensive and easily accessible resource for lawyers seeking to assist victims.

Full Verizon Wireless Press Release

National Domestic Violence Pro Bono Directory

2009 Equal Justice Works Career Fair

2009-08-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Equal Justice Works Annual Career Fair & Conference is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25 at The Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC.

Employer Registration is now open. Student, deferred associate and law school professional registration opens Aug. 31.

The Equal Justice Works 2010 Fellowship application period is currently now open. The application deadline is September 17th.

Visit the Equal Justice Works website to register for the Equal Justice Works Annual Career Fair Conference and to apply for an Equal Justice Works Fellowships

New HEMAP Help Center Brochure from RHLS

2009-08-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

Regional Housing Legal Services has produced a new brochure entitled, Avoiding Foreclosure: How to Reduce the Risk of Losing Your Home, explaining the operation of the the Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) Help Center.

This brochure is available on PALawHELP.org in the materials under the Mortgage Foreclosure subtopic or directly at the link below.

View Avoiding Foreclosure: How to Reduce the Risk of Losing Your Home

Fall 2009 NPADO Training -- Chicago, Illinois

2009-08-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

Pro Bono Net will be condudting a live training person on developing online templates for document assembly on October 29 and 30 (a Thursday and Friday) from 8:30 to 5:00 pm in the library at the Chicago-Kent Law School, 565 W. Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois.

The training is free to participating legal aid groups and court systems.

Registration
If you are interested in registering for the training, please email kbladow@probono.net no later than 09/05/09 . There are only 7 0f 16 seats still available. Indicate whether you are registering for the introductory or intermediate track.

Travel Arrangements
NOTE: Do not make reservations until you receive confirmation that you are part of the training group. You will need to make your own travel arrangements. No group discount has been worked out with any local hotels.

Curriculum and Faculty
This training has two tracks: introductory and intermediate. Both will be taught by Capstone Practice Systems and the Center for Access to Justice and Technology at Chicago-Kent. The agenda will be similar to that of the September 2008 in-person training.
Computers will be provided.

Homework
Training participants are required to do some homework before they arrive in Chicago.

Register as a Template Provider. (Choose "Proceed as a Template Provider." Enter and submit the appropriate information. You will receive an e-mail from Kate Bladow when you have been approved.)
HotDocs Tutorial: Go through Lessons 1-7 and 9-12 in Chapter 2 of the HotDocs Professional tutorial. (Do not do lessons 8 and 13. They deal with clauses, which don't apply to templates designed for online delivery.) These lessons are designed to be done one at a time and will take several hours if done in one sitting.

The closer you do this to the training, the fresher it will be in your mind. If you don't do this homework, you will not get as much out of the training and are likely to hold the entire class back.

HUD Announces Posting of Frequently Asked Questions on New RESPA Rule

2009-08-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner David Stevens has announced the first release of frequently asked questions (FAQs) concerning implementation of the new Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) rule. The FAQs were compiled from questions received from industry since the publication of the Rule.

Under the new RESPA rules consumers will, for the first time ever, be able to use the Good Faith Estimate to easily compare their estimated loan offer with the one to which they actually agree. It will provide clear, transparent disclosure of loan information that consumers can use to shop for the best loan - resulting in lower interest rates and lower origination and settlement costs for borrowers. This will virtually eliminate the kinds of unfair junk fees that surprise so many borrowers at closing. In the end, this greater clarity and transparency will save consumers hundreds of dollars in total loan costs.

"If we learned anything from the current crisis it's that it is hard for borrowers to make responsible decisions if they don't have all the necessary information," said Stevens. "I believe these changes will take away much of the uncertainty borrowers have about the accuracy of disclosures."

The FAQs can be found on the HUD website. Some of the topics covered include requirements and delivery of the Good Faith Estimate, the HUD-1 Settlement Statement and specific information about completion of the GFE and HUD-1 forms.

The new RESPA regulations were published November 17, 2008 and are scheduled to take full effect on January 1, 2010. On that date, HUD will require that loan originators provide borrowers with the new standard Good Faith Estimate and closing agents provide borrowers with the new HUD-1 settlement statement.

View the FAQ [PDF]
HUD News Release

Introduction to Empirical Research for Clinicians and Public Interest Lawyers

2009-08-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

The Penn Law School and the AALS Committee on Lawyering in the Public Interest, Bellow Scholars Group are sponsoring a workshop entitled, Introduction to Empirical Research for Clinicians and Public Interest Lawyers, on October 2-3, 2009 at the Penn Law School in Philadelphia.

Empirical research is a powerful tool that can increase knowledge and provide the foundation for change in your area of practice. Law school clinical faculty and public interest lawyers will find this two-day workshop immensely valuable.

Working in small group sessions, led by experienced clinicians and social scientists, workshop participants will be exposed to the entire research process, from finding research partners to formulating research questions, to understanding and selecting the right research method, concluding with how to best utilize the results. Customized groups will be created based upon participant interests, different research methodology, and varying levels of research knowledge.

This conference is not intended to transform lawyers into sophisticated empirical researchers - rather, it is intended to encourage empirical research by increasing your understanding, appreciation, and comfort using empirical research tools to address the issues facing your clients and their communities.

Registration will be limited to enhance the small group workshops.

Early Registration Fee: $175
(must be received by September 14, 2009)

Registration Fee: $195

Experience inspired intuition and thoughtful empirical research may achieve what advocacy alone cannot. Learn how you can use them to help your clients and change the law.

Register Here

MidPenn and CJP Obtains Successful Resolution in Suit Against Reading Housing Authority for Violation of Rights of Section 8 Tenants

2009-08-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

A successful resolution has been reached by MidPenn Legal Services and the Community Justice Project on behalf of their client in a lawsuit filed against the Reading Housing Authority. In the suit, Plaintiff sought to declare unlawful and to enjoin the policy or practice of the Reading Housing Authority (RHA) of terminating federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher benefits to program participants without providing notice and an opportunity to object.

The suit also sought to enjoin the policy or practice of terminating benefits to program participants or threatening termination as a collection device to secure payment of disputed debt to landlords.

The case has was resolved when a consent order was entered providing that the RHA will:

reissue a Section 8 Voucher to the plaintiff, Ms. Rivera;
pay to Ms. Rivera the Housing Assistance Payment (“HAP”) amounts it would have paid on her behalf had a HAP contract remained in place from October 1, 2008;
maintain Ms. Rivera’s position at the top of the waiting list for housing at the Sylvania Apartments property operated by RHA;
in the future, investigate, if a landlord has alleges that a family has breached its family obligations under the Voucher program, to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe the alleged breach has occurred, and if RHA finds reasonable cause to believe a breach has occurred, RHA will issue a termination letter outlining the right to an informal hearing at which the tenant may dispute the alleged breach;
adopt a policy in its Section 8 Administrative Plan that

(a) informal grievance hearings relating to the termination of Section 8 benefits must be held within thirty or fewer days after an individual is notified in writing that his or her Section 8 benefits are subject to termination, which deadline may be extended for good cause beyond the control of the individual or the Reading Housing Authority or as needed for a reasonable accommodation; and

(b) the individual’s Section 8 benefits will not be terminated, and Reading Housing Authority will continue to administer the voucher, until after the informal grievance procedure has been resolved; and
RHA will conduct a live training with all Section 8 staff regarding the notice and administrative grievance procedures required under 24 CFR §§ 982.551-555 and the consent order.

The suit was brought against the Reading Housing Authority by Nicole Alexander, Ben Hooper and Maria Vazquez of MidPenn Legal Services and Kevin Quisenberry of Community Justice Project. Attorneys’ fees were also obtained in the settlement, as a deterrent to such actions by HA's in the future.

2009 Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Statewide Training Conference

2009-08-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Statewide Training Conference is scheduled for September 22–23, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Harrisburg Hershey.

This year's conference will feature the following tracks:

Consumer & Housing (Mortgage Foreclosure)
Employment
Family Law
Public Benefits

Registration
Registration is free to all Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network staff and pro bono attorneys who agree to accept at least two mortgage foreclosure cases. Registration includes lunch and a hearty reception on September 22, breakfast and lunch on September 23, conference materials and access to all workshops. The cost for all other registrants is $160.00.

You can register online at the link below and pay using our secure payment page or download the Conference and Hotel Registration Form and return it to PLAN, Inc. with your check. All Registrations must be received by PLAN, Inc. on or before September 11, 2009 to guarantee the conference hotel rate.

CLE Credits
This conference has been approved by the Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board for a maximum of 8.0 substantive law, practice and procedure CLE credit and 3.0 ethics, professionalism or substance abuse CLE credit.

A fee of $12.00 is required for anyone who is applying to receive CLE credit.

Hotel Accommodations
The cost for overnight accommodations is $105.00 per night for single, double, triple or quad. The cost of parking is $9.00.

Hotel reservations should be made on the registration form to obtain the conference rate. The Hotel Room Reservation Deadline at the conference rate is Friday, September 11, 2009.

There will be a fee of $50 charged for all cancellations received after September 14th, regardless of whether it is a ”legal aid network registration” or a “non-legal aid” registration.

For further questions about registration, please contact Fran Weisinger, at 1-800-322-7572, ext. 207 or email: fweisinger@palegalaid.net.

Conference Schedule at a Glance [PDF]

President Obama Announces Five Nominees to the LSC Board

2009-08-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama has announced his intent to nominate the following five nominees to the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC):

Robert J. Grey, Hunton & Williams, Virginia
John G. Levi, Sidley Austin, Illinois
Martha L. Minow, Harvard Law School, Massachusetts
Julie A. Reiskin, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Colorado
Gloria Valencia-Weber, University of New Mexico School of Law, New Mexico

The White House press release announcing the nominations contains the following biographical information about the nominees.

Robert J. Grey, Nominee for Board Member, Legal Services Corporation
Robert J. Grey, Jr. received his B.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 1973 and his law degree from Washington and Lee University in 1976. He started his own law firm in 1978. In 1982, he was appointed by Governor Charles S. Robb to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. He was appointed Chair in 1983 and served until 1985. He joined Hunton & Williams in 2002, and is also affiliated with the McCammon Mediation Group Ltd. Grey’s practice focuses on government relations and administrative matters before state and federal agencies. Grey served as president of the American Bar Association from 2004-2005 and Chair of the ABA House of Delegates from 1998 to 2000. During his tenure as President, he instituted the American Jury Initiative to educate the public on the importance of service, led programs to increase diversity in the legal profession, and fought to safeguard the profession’s independence. Grey currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Hunton & Williams Community Service Committee. He has also chaired the Committee on Research about the Future of the Legal Profession (2000-02) the Commission on Opportunities for Minorities in the Profession (1992-95) and will Chair the Rule of Law Initiative beginning August of 2009.

John G. Levi, Nominee for Board Member, Legal Services Corporation
John G. Levi has been a partner in the Chicago office of Sidley Austin, LLP for over 25 years. His practice focuses on employment litigation, executive compensation matters, and labor management relations. Levi represents corporate clients before numerous courts, agencies and arbitration forums. He also gives guidance on internal employment policies and governance. Levi has spoken at various employment law conferences throughout the years. Levi chairs Sidley’s Law School Recruiting Committee and heads the firm’s Committee overseeing its adopt-a-school programs. Levi has been involved in issues regarding juvenile justice and access of justice for many years serving on both the Cook County Citizens' Committee for the Juvenile courts, and the Board of the Jane Addams Juvenile Court Foundation. Levi also serves on the Advisory Board for the Northwestern University Law School Center on Wrongful Convictions. He is the immediate past President and longtime Trustee of the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago. He is the recipient of the 2004 Abraham Lincoln Marovitz "Lend A Hand" volunteer award, and was awarded an Honorary Diploma by the Parker School in 2003. Levi received his B.A. with honors from the University of Rochester in 1969, and earned his J.D. in 1972 and LL.M. in 1973 from the Harvard Law School.

Martha L. Minow, Nominee for Board Member, Legal Services Corporation
In June 2009, Martha Minow was named Dean of Harvard Law School where she has taught for nearly thirty years. During her tenure, she has also served as the Jeremiah Smith, Jr. Professor of Law, the William Henry Bloomberg Professor of Law, and the Acting Director of the University’s Program on Ethics and the Professions. Minow’s research focuses on equality, human rights, law and social change, and religion and pluralism. Her books address civil procedure, family law, and social services. She began her legal career as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and Judge David Bazelon of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Minow has served on the Board of the American Bar Foundation, the W.T. Grant Foundation, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and the International Independent Commission on Kosovo. She currently chairs the board of the Revson Foundation in New York City. She received her B.A. from the University of Michigan, J.D. from Yale University, and Ed.M. from Harvard.

Julie A. Reiskin, Nominee for Board Member, Legal Services Corporation
Julie Reiskin is the Executive Director of the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC), the only statewide organization of and for people with disabilities that has a focus on systemic change. CCDC has taken a leadership role within Colorado on publicly funded long-term health care. Ms. Reiskin has proposed and helped to implement many solutions to create a sustainable and client friendly Medicaid program, acted as a respected advocate for individuals and has trained many others in health advocacy and health policy. Prior to becoming the Executive Director for CCDC in 1996, Ms. Reiskin served as the organizations’ policy analyst. Ms. Reiskin moved to Colorado from Connecticut in 1994. In Connecticut, she was a partner in a consulting firm, specializing in diversity issues throughout Southern New England. She also had a private psychotherapy practice. Previous work includes, but is not limited to, several positions working with "hard to serve" youth and positive youth development, AIDS/HIV Education, and grassroots community organizing. Ms. Reiskin has taught extensively in the areas of disability rights, disability culture and disability policy, along with other areas related to diversity in human services. Ms. Reiskin got her Masters in Social Work from the University of Connecticut, with a major in community organizing in 1989. She obtained a B.S. in Women’s Studies from the University of Connecticut in 1985.

Gloria Valencia-Weber, Nominee for Board Member, Legal Services Corporation
Professor Gloria Valencia-Weber, University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Law, has a strong record of enabling poor people to obtain necessary legal services, especially for American Indians/Native Americans. The lawyers (American Indian and non-Indian) that she trains serve public interests, including the twenty Legal Services Corporation (LSC) units that specialize in Indian law. In establishing the Indian Law Certificate programs, first at the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1990 and since 1992 at the UNM School of Law, she is a pioneer. The model curriculum she designed is anchored in the unique law of the political relationship between the 562 federally recognized tribes and the U.S. In 1991-92 Valencia-Weber served on the Board of the Oklahoma Indian Legal Services. She regularly instructs in continuing education for Indian law attorneys and for tribal government officials and tribal court judges. Moreover, her scholarly research in Indian law covers critical areas including tribal courts, domestic violence, and the constitutional interface of tribal, federal, and state authority. Among her honors is induction into the American Law Institute. Valencia-Weber graduated from Harvard Law School in 1986 where she was Comments Editor for the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review and a C. Clyde Ferguson International Human Rights Fellow. Then she clerked for Judge Lee R. West, Federal District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Judge William J. Holloway, Jr., then Chief Judge of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

White House press release

PHLP Publishes Combined June/July 2009 Newsletter

2009-08-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Pennsylvania Health Law Project has published a combined edition of PHLP’s two newsletters - the Health Law PA News and the Senior Health News. The combined issue is currently available on the PHLP website at www.phlp.org.

The June/July 2009 Health Law Pa News and Senior Health News contains the following articles:

Stalemate Continues Over State Budget
Pennsylvania Terminates Medical Assistance Coverage for Certain Legal Immigrants
Update on the Autism Insurance Law (Act 62)
Update on Medical Assistance Contract Terminations in Southeastern PA
New Grant to Bolster CHIP and Medicaid Advocacy
State, Looking for Input on Integrated Care Initiative, Holding Statewide Listening Sessions in August
Update on Federal Health Care Reform
PA House of Representatives Passes Insurance Rate Protection Bill for Small Businesses
OLTL Issues Interim Draft Assisted Living Regulations

View the Newsletter

LSC Awards Grant in Wyoming

2009-08-05T06:04:00.000-07:00

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) has awarded a grant to a nonprofit legal services provider in Wyoming to ensure the delivery of civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families across the state, LSC announced today.

LSC awarded a five-month grant to Legal Aid of Wyoming, Inc. (LAW), providing up to $302,055 for the delivery of civil legal services, according to a letter sent to the Wyoming program’s board chairman by LSC President Helaine M. Barnett. The grant may be renewed into 2010 if special performance requirements are met by LAW.

During the next five months, LSC expects that LAW will work closely with the Wyoming Access to Justice Commission as LAW implements its legal services delivery activities. An immediate task will be to create a governing body that meets LSC regulatory requirements. The governing body must have at least one-third of the members who are client-eligible persons who meet the financial eligibility guidelines for civil legal assistance. At least 60 percent of board appointees must be lawyers, and the lawyers must reflect the diversity of the legal community and the population of the areas served by the program, according to the LSC letter.

The previous nonprofit program providing legal services in Wyoming relinquished its LSC grant in October 2008 after being cited for not adhering to LSC regulations and grant requirements. The LSC grant competition resulted in LAW being selected as the new provider.

PA Supreme Court to Hold Second Phase of Child Dependency Training Sessions

2009-08-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Additional Counties Join Initiative to Improve Lives of Dependent Children.

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania will hold three training sessions in August featuring Kevin Campbell - a nationally known youth permanency expert and creator of Family Finding, a strategy aimed at finding lost or forgotten individuals willing to provide lifelong support for abused and neglected children - as part of a statewide initiative to improve the lives of dependent children,

More than 160 judges, state, county and private sector children and youth professionals from surrounding areas will be attending training sessions scheduled for:

August 4 and 5; at the Rustic Lodge, 2199 Oakland Avenue, Indiana, PA
August 6 and 7; at the Adams County Department of Emergency Services, 230 Greenamyer Lane, Gettysburg, PA
August 11 and 12; at the Ramada Inn, 20 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Each session will run from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

State Supreme Court Justice Max Baer, a former administrative judge of family court in Allegheny County who is guiding these efforts on behalf of the Supreme Court, said, “With enhanced judicial oversight and strength-based, family-led practices, our overriding goals are to keep children safely in their homes, return others to their homes, and when staying or returning home is not possible, quickly find the best alternative permanent home for every child.”

The August training sessions are the second phase of the Supreme Court’s effort to provide Family Finding training throughout the state. Officials in 14 counties attended phase one training sessions held in September 2008.

Sandy Moore, Administrator of the Office of Children & Families in the Court (OCFC), said, “Family Finding combines common sense, good social and detective work, and the use of technology to seek out extended family members for dependent children.”

“Early results of this training are very promising,” Moore added. “A review of 40 dependency cases in phase one counties indicated that through Family Finding methods 1767 additional family resources were identified. Of those, approximately 250 became new lifelong connections for the dependent children.”

The Family Finding training sessions are part of the court’s Permanency Practice Initiative (PPI) focusing on three practice areas: Family Finding, Family Group Decision Making and Family Development Credentialing.

Family Finding provides professionals with the tools they need to help find relatives and others committed to a child achieving permanency for every child faster and more efficiently.

Pennsylvania Family Group Decision Making process is designed to join the wider family group, including relatives, friends, community members, and others, in collectively making decisions to resolve an identified family concern.

Family Development Credentialing is designed to be an interagency training for staff from all public, private and non-profit service systems. The program teaches the skills to help front line workers become more effective in assisting individuals and families in taking care of themselves and becoming selfsufficient.

Expected outcomes of the initiative are to safely:

Reduce the number of children adjudicated as dependents and in court-ordered placement
Reduce the time children spend in the foster care system
Reduce the number of children who re-enter care
Reduce the dependency court caseload
Reduce the cost of children in care
Reduce the need for residential and institutional placements, and
Increase child placement stability.

The 13 phase two PPI counties will be enhancing child services and practices, including the implementation of Family Finding, and three-month reviews for every child in the foster care system. Typically court review hearings are held every six months.

In addition, counties are entering all dependency cases into the state’s computerized Common Pleas Case Management System Dependency Module, designed to track more than 30 performance measures recommended by the National Council for Juvenile and Family Court, the National Center for State Courts and the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law. The detailed computerized tracking of dependency cases promises to provide vital statistics for the court’s efforts to help children and families.

Additional counties will be joining this initiative in 2010, with an expectation that all counties in Pennsylvania will move to this type of Permanency Practice.

In addition to the Permanency Practice Initiative a series of rules changes designed to speed the appellate process for children living in unstable or impermanent homes were implemented by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in March 2009. In June 2009, the Court released a mission statement and set of guiding principles aimed at improving the lives of abused and neglected children whose care is entrusted the child dependency system.

The Supreme Court’s efforts are led by Sandy Moore, Administrator of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts’ OCFC in close partnership with the state Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Children, Youth & Families. Additional support and guidance for the initiative is provided by The Pennsylvania Family Group Decision Making Statewide Leadership Team, the Statewide Adoption Permanency Network, the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania, and the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work and Child Welfare Training Program.

The OCFC, created in October 2006 by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, is funded with federal grants from the Court Improvement Project run by the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Social Security Holds Compassionate Allowances Hearing on Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease

2009-07-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, hosted the agency's fourth public hearing on Compassionate Allowances on July 29, 2009. Commissioner Astrue was joined by Marie A. Bernard, M.D., Deputy Director of the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, and other Social Security officials. They heard testimony from some of the nation’s leading experts on early-onset Alzheimer's disease and related dementias about possible methods for identifying and implementing Compassionate Allowances for people with early-onset Alzheimer's.

"This year, through Compassionate Allowances and our Quick Disability Determination process, over 100,000 Americans with severe disabilities will be approved for Social Security disability benefits in a matter of days rather than the months and years it can sometimes take," said Commissioner Astrue. "We are now looking to add more diseases and impairments to these expedited processes. With today’s hearing, we are expanding our focus from specific rare diseases and cancers to look at subgroups of much broader conditions. Early-onset Alzheimer's disease is a rapidly progressive and debilitating disease of the brain that affects individuals between the ages of 50 and 65 and clearly deserves our consideration."

In October 2008, Social Security launched Compassionate Allowances to expedite the processing of disability claims for applicants with medical conditions so severe that their conditions by definition meet Social Security's standards. To learn more and to view a web cast of the hearing, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.

"With the aging of the baby-boomers, we are beginning to see more, younger working Americans diagnosed with this devastating disease," Commissioner Astrue said. "I want to thank the Alzheimer's Association and their staff, particularly Harry Johns, President and CEO. Their help has been invaluable and many of the witnesses are here at their suggestion. Together, we hope to identify the most severe cases that can be included in our Compassionate Allowances process."

President Issues Proclamation Commemerating the 35th Anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation

2009-07-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

On July 23, 2009 President Barack Obama issued the following Proclamation recognizing the work of the Legal Services Corporation on the 35th anniversary of its incorporation:

35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION, 2009

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Every day the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) breathes life into the timeless ideal, "equal justice under law." It reaches those who cannot afford the assistance they need and those who would otherwise go without vital representation. Today we recognize the 35 years during which the LSC has moved our Nation and our legal system towards greater equality.

The LSC brings legal counsel to every corner of the Nation. As the largest provider of civil legal aid to the poor, it supports programs that touch families in every State. Persons of all ethnic and racial backgrounds know its great work, and women, who represent 75 percent of LSC-supported clients, especially benefit from its expertise.

The Legal Services Corporation's work helps improve lives. It allows more people to access the public benefits they deserve, more domestic violence victims to secure the protections they desperately need, and more workers to receive the compensation they have been promised and earned.

During an economic crisis, the work of the LSC is especially important. When families face foreclosure, eviction, or bankruptcy, or when communities are targeted by predatory lenders, they need the help of legal professionals. These scenarios are far too common today. Fortunately, the LSC stands ready to meet these demands.

Because economically vulnerable communities continue to face an unmet need for legal services, my Administration has supported increased funding for the LSC. I have also recommended lifting several unnecessary restrictions on funding so that more people can receive assistance. These changes are critical to the organization's mission and work.

We have made great progress in protecting the legal rights of our citizens, and the Legal Services Corporation has played a vital role in this story for more than 3 decades. With continued support, it will serve those in need and help our Nation live out its highest ideals.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 25, 2009, as the 35th Anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation. I call upon legal professionals and the people of the United States to honor the contributions of this vital organization.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Original - from The White House

WGAL Video: Legal Aid Suffers Without Budget

2009-07-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

MidPenn Legal Services was featured in a segment on WGAL-TV in central Pennsylvania on Friday, July 24, 2009. The segment, entitled Legal Aid Suffers Without Budget highlights the hardships imposed on legal aid by the delay in the passing of the Pennsylvania state budget and the impact a reduction, or elimination, of funding would have on the service provided to the low-income public.

The segment may be viewed on the WGAL website at the link below.

View Legal Aid Suffers Without Budget

Bucks County Starts Foreclosure Diversion Program

2009-07-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania has joined with the Bucks County Courts system and the Bucks County Bar Association to launch a pilot program called The Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program.

Beginning the week of July 6, Bucks County residents served with mortgage foreclosure papers also received an "urgent notice" announcing a free program that could help them stay in their homes. After meeting with a housing counselor, the homeowner will have a conference scheduled with a representative of the lender and a volunteer attorney and retired Judge Isaac Garb. The goal will be to help the parties work out a plan to avoid a foreclosure and allow the borrower to stay in their home.

People concerned with losing their homes to foreclosure in Bucks County can also call the Don't Borrow Trouble Helpline, 1-888-275-8843.

Full text of the article from Doylestown Intelligencer
PA Bulletin Notice

Commonwealth Court Change of Address

2009-07-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

Effective August 3, 2009, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania will move to the Pennsylvania Judicial Center. The Chief Clerk's Office address will change to the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Judicial Center, 601 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 2100, P. O. Box 69185, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9185.

The Court's telephone numbers and the Philadelphia filing office address will not change. Make a note of this address change. Filings should be directed to the Court's new address effective August 3, 2009. For more information, contact the Chief Clerk's Office at (717) 255-1650 or visit the Court's web page at www.aopc.org.

PA Bulletin Notice

Bridge Loans Available for Legal Aid Programs

2009-07-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Kresge Foundation is offering interest-free bridge loans of $250,000 to $500,000 to legal aid and other human service organizations struggling to meet the increasing demand for their services during the recession.

All U.S.-based non-profit and government entities with financial statements prepared by a certified public accountant and not classified as private foundations are eligible to apply.
Applicants must have been in operation for three years, be on solid financial footing, able to prove a history of stable operation and provide audited financial statements for the past two years.

The foundation’s announcement does not include an application deadline but notes that it is “making every attempt to fast-track the application process.”

According to its website, the Michigan-based Kresge Foundation is a $3.1 billion private, national foundation that seeks to influence the quality of life for future generations through its support of nonprofit organizations in six fields of interest: health, the environment, community development, arts and culture, education and human services.

More Information

From LSC Updates, July 15, 2009

Listening Sessions Scheduled on Integrated Care Initiative

2009-07-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

The Department of Aging and Department of Public Welfare Office of Long Term Living will be holding listening sessions in August 2009 across the state on the Integrated Care Initiative.

This initiative is scheduled to begin July 2010 and will allow individuals 60 and older who have both Medicare and Medical Assistance (MA) to join integrated care plans to receive their Medicare and MA benefits through one plan rather than have two separate coverages as they do now. Individuals under age 60 will be included in the future.

Listening sessions will be held at the following times:

Friday, August 7, 2009
(Philadelphia County)
Philadelphia Senior Center
509 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Monday, August 10, 2009
(Beaver County)
Circle of Friends – Baden
The corners of Linmore and Wayne Streets
Baden, PA 15005

Tuesday, August 11, 2009
(Allegheny County)
Vintage Senior Center
401 North Highland Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Friday, August 14, 2009
(Lancaster County)
Lancaster Farm & Home Care Center
1383 Arcadia Road
Lancaster, PA 17601

Monday, August 17, 2009
(Westmoreland County)
Westmoreland Community College
Science Hall
145 Pavilion Lane
Youngwood, PA 15697

Wednesday, August 26, 2009
(Philadelphia County)
JCC’s Kline Branch Center & Russian Satellite
10100 Jamison Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19116

Friday, August 28, 2009
(Northampton County)
Hispanic Senior Center
520 East Fourth Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015-1804

Monday, August 31, 2009
(Conference Call)
Dial-In: 1-800-706-7745
Passcode: 341-064-31
TTY Users: 1-800-654-5984

How you can attend:
If you would like to come to a session, please register at least 2 days before the session. You may register by:

Calling (toll free): 1-877-591-6826
TTY Users: 1-800-654-5984
Emailing: RA-IntegratedCareComments@state.pa.us
Mailing: Office of Long-Term Living, Attention: Listening Sessions, P.O. Box 2675, Harrisburg, PA 17105.

When you register, please furnish:

Your name
Session location you will be attending
If you plan on commenting

More Information [PDF]

SAVE THE DATE: Foreclosure Training at 2009 PLAN Conference

2009-07-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

The next Avoiding Foreclosure Training will take place at the PLAN Conference on September 22-23, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 23 S. Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

The planning committee is meeting shortly and they need to hear from you! What additional training do you need to help you, help Pennsylvania families keep their homes?

Please send your suggestions to Cynthia Newcomer at 1 800-322-7572, ext. 216, or cnewcomer@palegalaid.net by Thursday, July 16, 2009.

CJP Seeks Information on Local Property Tax Inequities

2009-07-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

The Community Justice Project (CJP) is curently seeking information about discriminatory local real estate taxing schemes with the intent to work with local counsel to pursue prospective uniformity in taxation as well as a refund remedy in appropriate counties.

CJP, in Clifton v. Allegheny County, 969 A. 2d 1197 (April 29, 2009), litigated a success appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court where the Court found that owners of lower value properties throughout Pennsylvania have been subject to discriminatory taxation as a result of this state’s property assessment laws.

In the decision, the Court recognized that there is no difference between charging a lower value property owner a higher millage or tax rate and systematically assessing their properties at a higher percentage of actual value relative to higher value properties.

Unfortunately for the lower value owner, excessive property taxation is difficult to identify. It is necessary that those working with lower income homeowners become aware of indications of such taxation and advise their clients to consider challenging it.

CJP is now trying to to alert lower income owner advocates of where excessive taxation is likely occurring and how this may be challenged. CJP would like to work with local counsel to address these issues through administrative advocacy using the Clifton ruling as leverage and through litigation as resources permit.

CJP is requesting that advocates and intake staff attempt to identify present or recent clients who may be experiencing excessive taxation. Such clients needn’t be presently threatened with foreclosure or tax sale.

Significant factors that may indicate an unfair taxation scheme are:

low appreciation, compared with other properties in the same area, or
depreciation.

An Excessive Property Taxation Questionaire is available at the link below to assist in this analysis.

Once such clients are identified, please contact Don Driscoll (412-434-6012, ddriscoll@cjplaw.org) or Kevin Quisenberry (412-434-5814, kquisenberry@cjplaw.org) to discuss the specifics of their situations.

The links below contain additional information concerning the rationale of the Clifton decision and how to analyze other potential cases based on that rationale.

Clifton Rationale and Analysis [PDF]
Excessive Property Taxation Questionnaire [PDF] [MS Word]
Counties COD and PRD ranked [PDF]
County COD and PRD specific number [PDF]