We do not work exclusively with established legal partners, but there are some who are worth knowing a little more about:
Prisoners Legal Services of New York (PLSNY):
these cases often seem a little different because the clients are people who have been in the US for longer and now are in removal proceedings after being picked up on a criminal charge. So getting as many case details as possible early on can be important in helping place with an evaluator.
Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition:
work in the DC/VA/MD area. If cases seem to be near DC, make sure that they have checked with Georgetown. Most of the cases are in VA detention facilities, so out of the sphere of most DC providers. Importantly, CAIR has an evaluator Memorandum of Understanding that they expect evaluators to sign. We worked with them to ensure that the MOU did not conflict with MSHRP policies and struck an appropriate tone. Evaluators should be given the heads up that CAIR may send this document. However, MSHRP does not directly endorse it, nor do we require evaluators to sign it.
Additionally, CAIR does have grant funding to pay evaluators of some pro bono clients. We do not think it is fair to provide evaluations for clients who have funding, as this is an essential part of the professional practice of some of these clinicians. So, we’ve asked CAIR to clarify whether or not funding exists for each client. If there is funding but CAIR is nonetheless unable to secure an appropriate evaluator, we will happily coordinate an evaluation through our network. We will never accept payment for an evaluation.
ABA-ProBar:
a project of the American Bar Association based in South Texas. They have represented our first MPP (“Remain in Mexico”) client.
Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network:
a number of CO-based attorneys have found out about us through RMIAN -- the requests don’t necessarily come from RMIAN itself. Be sure to check in about forensic evaluations through Denver Health (and other clinics) especially as local resources start to reopen as COVID dies down (hopefully)
Las Americas:
have only worked with them on a detained case but we were in touch with a fellow from HIAS (another NGO) that was working with them about possible MPP cases. Flagging in case the HIAS fellow (Nico) ever gets back in touch.
Vera Institute for Justice:
Their National Qualified Representatives Program may begin referring evaluation requests for clients who have already been deemed incompetent by the court. Faculty are aware, but will require check-in when the first requests come in.
Center for Victims of Torture:
a continuity care and advocacy organization. A couple of their clinicians joined our network and we are in periodic communication with them about collaboration/expansion.
Groups we’re not working with, just be aware:
Al Otro Lado:
We know that a group out of UCLA, led by Dr. Adam Richards, has partnered with Al Otro Lado at a place called Casa del Centro in Tijuana, Mexico to do a research pilot of video evaluations. If by any chance we get requests for Tijuana or elsewhere in California, it is a good idea to refer them to the USC or UCLA clinics who are already engaged in both remote and in-person work in these areas.
Evaluations in Otay Mesa Detention (San Diego):
An NGO called Survivors of Torture International is able to get individuals temporarily out of Otay Mesa detention for in-person evaluations in local physicians’/LCSW offices. Although we don’t have any Southern CA legal partners, it’s important to be aware that we don’t want to accept remote evaluation requests for individuals in Otay Mesa should they arise because it might interfere with Survivors of Torture’s ability to continue with their current arrangement. If you have questions about this or want to check in about status of referrals, feel free to contact the Survivors of Torture director Kathi Anderson (KAnderson@notorture.org)