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The Homeless Court Application Form is a vital document for individuals in Los Angeles County facing the disheartening challenges of homelessness or imminent risk of losing their homes. This application serves as a pathway for participants who wish to resolve minor traffic and quality-of-life offenses, thus alleviating some barriers that hinder their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency. Several key components make up the application process. First and foremost, eligibility is strictly defined, requiring applicants to demonstrate a history of homelessness or imminent risk, alongside the completion of at least 90 days in a case management program. This requisite period is designed to ensure that applicants are actively engaged in efforts to improve their lives, whether through employment, rehabilitation, or other support services. The form itself must be meticulously filled out by a caseworker, capturing all relevant citations and personal details. Along with the application, a letter of support is necessary to verify the client’s progress and continued commitment to their treatment program. Furthermore, the application process is underpinned by a series of stipulations that disqualify individuals with outstanding warrants or new charges, which ensures the integrity of the program. By navigating this process carefully and respectfully, caseworkers provide essential support to their clients, allowing them to grasp this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reclaim their lives.
Homeless Court Application Example
LOS ANGELES COUNTY HOMELESS COURT PROGRAM
CASEWORKER INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEW REFERRALS
The Los Angeles County Homeless Court Program (Homeless Court) serves individuals who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, by resolving minor traffic and “quality of life” offenses received in Los Angeles County. Homeless
Court is a
S/he must have a history of homelessness or be at imminent risk of homelessness.
S/he must have completed at least 90 days of continuous satisfactory participation in a case management program, whether it involves employment, drug/alcohol rehabilitation, mental health treatment, supportive housing, or participation in the General Relief Opportunities for Work (GROW) or CalWORKs Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) programs.
OIf a client comes to your program directly from another program where s/he had maintained progress in good standing, you may document the duration of her/his prior program participation to meet the 90 day program requirement. (For example, if a client completed 60 days at Program A before transferring to Program B, s/he would be eligible for Homeless Court after completing 30 days at Program B.) Please note, the applicant must make an immediate transition from one program to the next in order to count time spent at the initial program.
S/he must not have received any new tickets or any other criminal charges from the period that begins six (6)
months prior to the application date through the period of time when the City Attorney determines eligibility.
OTo check that your client has not received any new tickets within the past six months, please visit http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/Traffic/ to search for your client’s tickets by driver’s license
number and date of birth. Please note, this is not guaranteed to be a complete list of all of your client’s outstanding tickets and warrants.
S/he must not have any outstanding misdemeanor warrants for
S/he may have a felony conviction on her/his record, but may not have any outstanding felony warrants or cases.
S/he may not be in violation of parole or probation.
*Only infractions and certain
*The Los Angeles County Homeless Court Program can only resolve tickets received within Los Angeles County.
*The Los Angeles County Homeless Court Program can handle tickets that have gone to collections.
*The Homeless Court process can be lengthy, especially if a client has tickets from more than one city. Participants and caseworkers should expect the process to take a number of months. Los Angeles County Homeless Court and its staff are not able to provide any advice if the participant is due in court on a Homeless Court eligible offense while their Homeless Court application is pending.
*Homeless Court is invested in the success of individuals working towards stability and
benefit that caseworkers bring to the Homeless Court process by their invaluable experience in interfacing with clients and working closely with them. Caseworkers’ experience places them in the best position to determine
whether a client is ready to take advantage of the
When preparing an application for a client to participate in Homeless Court, the following should be included:
(1)Homeless Court Application Form
This form should be completed by the caseworker managing the client’s case. The client must sign and date the application. Please note, an applicant may only sign and date the application after having completed at least 90 days in the approved program. Any applications that do not meet this requirement will be found ineligible.
Please print clearly and legibly, and complete all components of the application. Please make sure the spelling of the client’s name (including any AKAs), driver’s license/CA ID number, and the client’s date of birth are accurate. If the applicant does not have a driver’s license/CA ID, put “none”.
List as many unresolved traffic citations, misdemeanors or infractions as the client recalls on the
application form. If s/he does not recall all of her/his unresolved tickets or warrants, Homeless Court will obtain the information by running the client’s RAP sheets. It is important, however, that the client provides all names under which tickets may have been issued.
Caseworker contact information must be provided; the caseworker listed on the application should be the same one writing the letter of support. The referring caseworker is the person Homeless Court
contacts with questions or if any administrative issues come up. The client is also invited to the
Homeless Court session via the caseworker. Therefore, if the client’s caseworker changes, it is imperative that Homeless Court be notified of the new caseworker’s information. It is also necessary, in the event the client leaves the program for any reason, that the caseworker obtains the client’s future contact information and remains in contact with the client to verify her/his continued progress. The Homeless Court may request an updated letter verifying that the client remains in good standing.
(2)Case Manager Certification
The case manager must also complete the certification on pg. 5 of the application. Please note that
at least one option must be selected in both questions 1 and 2. Because the ultimate goal of Homeless
Court is to reduce an individual’s barriers to stability, the ultimate goal for every client should be to obtain and/or maintain housing, employment, or both. Failure to select either one or both of these options, or failure to identify the program type, will result in the application being deemed incomplete and therefore ineligible.
(3)Letter of Support
The caseworker submitting the referral must write a letter of support stating how long the client has been
in the program (including a specific start date, not just the month entered) and detailing the progress the client has made. The letter of support must be on the program’s letterhead, signed by the caseworker, and dated with the current date. If the program’s address is different than what is on the letterhead, please indicate the caseworker’s direct mailing address in the letter. Please note, if the case management program has not already been reviewed and approved by the Los Angeles County Homeless Court Program, the Homeless Court will request the case manager and/or organization to provide information necessary for such review and approval, including, promotional materials, website, and tax ID number.
Please provide information about the program components in which the client has participated (such as
drug/alcohol counseling, vocational training, mental health treatment, etc.). In addition, it is important to provide information about the client’s advancements on a personal level towards
The letter of support is an important component of the application because it presents the client’s circumstances to the City Attorney’s Office and provides support for why the client should qualify for
Homeless Court. Therefore, include as much information as possible about the client’s progress. A sample letter of support is attached hereto.
One copy of the complete application form (5 pages) and Letter of Support should be scanned and emailed to homelesscourt@publiccounsel.org. This is the preferred method of submission. If you do not have the technological capability of emailing the application, we will accept a faxed copy of the complete application with a cover sheet and letter of support to the attention of Homeless Court at the Office of the City Attorney at
fax machine cannot handle it. If you email or fax the application, a hard copy does not also need to be mailed. If you do not have access to email or fax, please send the application via U.S. Mail
to Attn: Homeless Court, Office of the City Attorney, 312 S. Hill Street, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Please do not submit a copy of your client’s social security card or social security number
with the application.
We do not accept inquiries or status checks from clients. Status checks must be conducted by the case manager listed on the application via email at homelesscourt@publiccounsel.org. To avoid
complication, please contact Homeless Court for status checks rather than send in a second duplicate application for the same individual. In the email subject line please include the client’s name, date of
birth, and the date on which the application was submitted. Please instruct your clients NOT to call or come to the Homeless Court office as no information can be shared directly with the client.
Once the client’s citations have been resolved, the caseworker will be notified with information about the date, time, and location of the Homeless Court session that the client is invited to attend. Homeless Court sessions are typically held every other month, at locations throughout the County (location changes from session to session). Caseworkers are invited (but not required) to attend as well.
SAMPLE LETTER OF SUPPORT
March 18, 2011
Office of the City Attorney Maria Elena Reyes Branch Attn: Homeless Court
312 S. Hill St., 2nd floor Los Angeles, CA 90013
To Homeless Court:
This letter is to notify you that John Doe has been continuously enrolled in our treatment program since August 30, 2010.
Our rehabilitation program lasts from four to six months, and is designed to teach individuals how to live without the use of drugs or alcohol, with the goal of gradual reintegration into society. The program includes the following:
Parenting Classes |
Drug/Alcohol Addiction Rehabilitation |
Psychotherapy/Counseling |
Mental Health Treatment |
Anger Management Classes |
AIDS/HIV Education |
Job Skills Training |
Relapse Prevention |
Domestic Violence Classes |
|
To date, Mr. Doe has participated in HIV education classes, relapse prevention, and anger management classes. He regularly submits to random urinalysis testing.
Mr. Doe has been in full compliance, and is currently in good standing, with the program. Mr. Doe is currently in the last stages of our program and is seeking employment. He has shown great resolve and motivation in meeting his goals; therefore, we ask that his warrants be recalled and obligations to the court be deemed satisfied.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (323)
Sincerely,
SallySmith
Sally Smith
Counselor/Case Manager
XYZ Treatment Program
***Please SIGN LETTER and print on letterhead. If your address is not the same as the one on letterhead, please note direct address***
LOS ANGELES COUNTY HOMELESS COURT PROGRAM
A project of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office, Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Attorney, Los Angeles County District Attorney, Los Angeles County Public Defender, Public Counsel, and advocates for the homeless.
Homeless Court offers individuals who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, and who have connected with case management programs, the opportunity to resolve citations and warrants received within Los Angeles County for certain infractions, traffic violations, and
Before Submitting an Application
If you meet ALL of these guidelines, you may complete this application and submit it
If you meet ALL of these guidelines, you may complete this application and submit it along with a along with a letter of support from your rehabilitative caseworker. Please Note: The Homeless letter of support from your case manager. Please Note: Homeless Court cannot resolve parking
Court cannot resolve parking tickets or DUIs.
tickets, DUIs, tickets received as a juvenile, or violations involving a victim or weapon. *Clients may not come to or call the HC office; all inquiries must originate with the caseworker.
Violations of this policy may result in negative consequencesCourt’s requirements:for your case.
Please make sure that you meet ALL of Homeless
You have completed 90 days in a case management program; Please make sure that you meet ALL of the HCourt’s requirements:
You have not received any new tickets or any other criminal charges from the period that begins six You have completed 90 days in a rehabilitative program
(6) months prior to the application date; No violations within the last six months
You may not receive any new tickets or other criminal charges through the period of time You do not have any unresolved felony warrants
when the City Attorney determines eligibility;
You are not submitting a duplicate application
You have no outstanding misdemeanor warrants for
You are not in violation of parole or probation;
You are not submitting a duplicate application; AND
You have not participated in Homeless Court previously (it is a
Clients may not come to or call the Homeless Court office; all inquiries must originate with the caseworker to avoid delays in processing the application.
Los Angeles County Homeless Court Program Application Form
Applicant Information: |
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|
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Name (First Middle Last): |
________________________________________________________ |
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A.K.A.s: |
________________________________________________________ |
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Date of Birth: |
________________________________________________________ |
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Age: |
__ |
__ |
__50+ |
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Driver’s License/CA ID #: |
_________________________________ State: _________________ |
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Race/Ethnicity*: |
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__Hispanic/Latino __Black/African American __White |
||
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__Asian/Pacific Islander |
__Native American |
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Height/Weight: |
________________________________________________________ |
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Gender: |
__ Male |
__ Female |
__Transgender |
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Number of Dependents: |
_________ (Only count children under age 18; Do not include self) |
|||
Disabled: |
__Yes |
__No |
|
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Veteran: |
__Yes |
__No |
|
|
*This information is sought for statistical purposes and to protect the client by ensuring accurate identification of client information in County databases.
Page 1 of 5
How many unresolved traffic and/or other infraction/misdemeanor citations/cases do you have
in Los Angeles County? Please list the citation/case #, court code, and the date when the citation was received, if known:
_________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Applicant Contact Information:
Address: |
________________________________________________________ |
City, State, Zip: |
________________________________________________________ |
Phone: |
________________________________________________________ |
Email: |
________________________________________________________ |
Caseworker’s Contact Information: |
|
Caseworker Name: |
________________________________________________________ |
Organization: |
________________________________________________________ |
Address: |
________________________________________________________ |
City, State, Zip: |
________________________________________________________ |
Phone: |
__________________________ Fax: _________________________ |
Email: |
________________________________________________________ |
APPLICANT VERIFICATION
To the best of my knowledge, I have participated in a qualifying program for at least ninety (90) days, I have been
I authorize Homeless Court to access my criminal record information for purposes of processing my application and collecting statistical information.
Signed: _______________________________________________ Date: _____________________
The Los Angeles County Homeless Court Program seeks your permission to include a summary of your case, without revealing your name, in any of its materials, grant applications or reports. You are not required to give such consent to participate in the Los Angeles County Homeless Court Program.
Do you agree to provide such consent? |
□ Yes |
□ No |
Page 2 of 5
HOMELESS COURT APPLICANT’S AUTHORIZATION FOR
EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
I, __________________________________________, hereby authorize the exchange of information
regarding my criminal record and case management program compliance between:
CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
and
LOS ANGELES COUNTY HOMELESS COURT PROGRAM PARTICIPATING AGENCIES:
Los Angeles County Homeless Court Office
Offices of the City Attorneys in Los Angeles County
Office of the Los Angeles County District Attorney
Office of the Los Angeles County Public Defender
This information is needed for verification of participation in a case management program and
qualification of application for resolution of citations and warrants for certain infractions and
misdemeanors through the Los Angeles County Homeless Court Program.
This form was completed in its entirety and read by me (or to me) prior to signing.
Signature of Applicant: _______________________________________ Date: _________________
Page 3 of 5
PERSONAL REFERENCES OF HOMELESS COURT APPLICANT
The purpose of this request is to have alternate contact information for you in the event that we are unable to reach you through the caseworker listed or your personal contact information. This information may also be used to track the success of participants in the Los Angeles County Homeless Court Program. Because persons in case management programs often change residences after completion of their program, we are requesting the names of several close friends, or relatives, who can assist us in contacting you in the event that you move from the address given on your Homeless Court application. Being able to keep in touch with you on a regular basis (every six months or so) after your successful participation in Homeless Court allows us to gauge the overall success of this program.
Please give the name of at least one personal reference.
NameAddressPhone
1.___________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Page 4 of 5
CASE MANAGER CERTIFICATION
I, ___________________________________, am the case manager identified above and hereby
certify that:
1.The Applicant is participating in a case management program linked to: (check all that apply)
□ Rehabilitation □ Employment □ Mental Health □ Other: ____________
2.This case managed program will assist the Applicant in ultimately obtaining and/or maintaining the following: (check all that apply)
□ Permanent Housing |
□ Employment |
Please note: You MUST select at least one applicable check box in questions 1 and 2 above for the application to be deemed complete.
Signed: ______________________________ |
Date: ___________________ |
Submitting the Application
The completed application and letter of support should be submitted by the caseworker by email (scanned), U.S. mail, or fax (with cover sheet) to:
Attn: Homeless Court
Office of the City Attorney
312 S. Hill Street, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Fax:
The case manager should request receipt confirmation of the application immediately by emailing homelesscourt@publiccounsel.org.
Please ensure that this application includes:
1)Applicant’s Authorization for Exchange of Information
2)Personal References
3)Case Manager’s Certification Page
4)Case Manager’s Letter of Support
A letter of support from the caseworker on program letterhead is required; this must be written by the caseworker listed above. The letter of support must include the following
information:
Length of time in the program;
Program components in which applicant has participated (such as drug/alcohol rehabilitation, vocational/job skills training, mental health counseling, etc.); Advancements made on a personal level towards
Caseworker’s signature.
Page 5 of 5
Form Characteristics
| Fact Name | Fact Details |
|---|---|
| Program Purpose | The Los Angeles County Homeless Court Program helps individuals facing homelessness by addressing minor offenses. |
| Eligibility Requirement | Applicants must have a history of homelessness or be at imminent risk of becoming homeless. |
| Program Duration | Participants must complete 90 days of satisfactory involvement in a case management program before applying. |
| Offense Types | Eligible offenses include certain low-grade misdemeanors and infractions, excluding severe violent crimes. |
| Misdemeanor Warrants | No outstanding misdemeanor warrants for non-Homeless Court-eligible offenses may exist for applicants. |
| Long Processing Time | The process might take several months, particularly for clients with citations from multiple cities. |
| Self-referral Policy | Individuals cannot self-refer; only caseworkers can submit applications for clients. |
| Submission Method | Applications can be submitted via email, fax, or U.S. Mail, but only one method should be chosen for each submission. |
| Support Letter Requirement | A letter of support from the caseworker documenting the client's progress is mandatory for application approval. |
| Governing Law(s) | The program operates under California law and is part of the services provided by local government and community partners. |
Guidelines on Utilizing Homeless Court Application
The next steps involve a thoughtful completion of the Homeless Court Application form, which will lead to potential support for individuals facing challenges related to minor offenses. It is crucial to carefully gather the necessary information and fill out each part of the form accurately to ensure eligibility for this program. Below are the detailed steps needed for successful submission.
- Gather Required Information: Before starting, collect all relevant details, including the client’s full name, date of birth, and any known aliases.
- Fill Out Applicant Information: Complete the first section with the client’s information. Be sure to print clearly and check for accuracy in spelling and numbers.
- Document Driver’s License/CA ID: If the client does not have this identification, indicate “none.”
- List Offenses: Write down all unresolved traffic citations, misdemeanors, or infractions that the client remembers. Include all names under which tickets may have been issued.
- Provide Caseworker Information: Include the contact information for the caseworker managing the client’s case. Ensure the same caseworker writes the letter of support.
- Case Manager Certification: On page 5 of the application, the case manager must fill out the certification. Remember that at least one option must be selected in both questions. Incomplete certifications will disqualify the application.
- Compose the Letter of Support: The caseworker should write a detailed letter of support on the program's letterhead, specifying the duration of the client's participation and overall progress. Sign and date this letter.
- Review the Application: Look over the completed application form and letter of support. Ensure that all sections are filled out and there are no spelling errors.
- Submit the Application: Send a scanned copy of both the application and letter of support via email to homelesscourt@publiccounsel.org. If email is not an option, fax it to 213-485-8263. A hard copy is not necessary if you have emailed or faxed it.
- Provide Future Contact Information: Maintain communication with the client to verify ongoing progress and obtain updated contact information.
- Prepare the Client for Notification: Inform the client that once their citations are resolved, the caseworker will receive details about the Homeless Court session they are invited to attend.
Completing these steps carefully will enhance the chances of a successful application. This is an important opportunity for individuals seeking to address past offenses while working toward stability and self-sufficiency.
What You Should Know About This Form
What is the purpose of the Homeless Court Program?
The Los Angeles County Homeless Court Program helps individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless resolve minor traffic and quality of life offenses. This program aims to support people's journey toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Who is eligible to apply for the Homeless Court Program?
To qualify, a client must have a history of homelessness or be at imminent risk of becoming homeless. They should also have participated for at least 90 days in a case management program. This could involve various types of rehabilitation or support programs, including employment services and mental health treatment. Additionally, applicants must not have any new tickets or criminal charges for six months prior to applying.
What types of offenses can be resolved through the Homeless Court?
Only specific infractions and low-grade misdemeanors are eligible. Generally, these offenses must not involve a victim, weapon, or drug sales. Examples might include certain traffic violations but exclude parking tickets, DUIs, and juvenile offenses.
How does the application process work?
The caseworker completes the Homeless Court Application Form with the client's input. The client must sign the application after meeting the 90-day requirement in their designated program. Incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible.
What documentation is required for the application?
Three key components are necessary: the completed Homeless Court Application Form, a case manager certification, and a letter of support from the caseworker. This letter should outline the client's progress and duration in the program. Each component must be submitted clearly and accurately for successful processing.
Can previous participants apply again?
No, the Homeless Court Program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, meaning individuals who have previously participated are not eligible to apply again.
How are clients notified about their application status?
Once the citations have been resolved, the caseworker will receive notification regarding the date, time, and location of the Homeless Court session. The client will also be invited to attend this session along with their caseworker.
What should be included in the caseworker's letter of support?
The letter should detail the client’s history in the program, including specific start dates, progress made, and personal advancements toward self-sufficiency. It must be on the program’s letterhead, signed and dated by the caseworker, and provide as much information as possible to support the client’s case.
How can inquiries about the application status be made?
Status inquiries must come from the case manager, not the client. The caseworker should email the Homeless Court with the relevant client details, avoiding any duplicate applications to ensure a smoother process.
Common mistakes
Completing the Homeless Court Application form is critical for individuals seeking assistance. However, numerous mistakes can hinder their chances of acceptance. One common error occurs when applicants fail to provide complete information in the application. The form requires that all components be filled out clearly and correctly. Omitting a crucial detail, such as the client's date of birth or the driver's license number, can lead to an immediate rejection of the application.
Another mistake involves the client's eligibility assessment. It is essential for applicants to demonstrate a history of homelessness or an imminent risk of becoming homeless. Caseworkers sometimes mistakenly overlook this criterion, leading to referrals that lack the necessary backing. If this basic requirement is not satisfied, no amount of additional documentation can salvage the application. It is crucial for caseworkers to ensure that the client’s situation aligns with the program’s guidelines.
Additionally, many applicants forget to include a letter of support from the caseworker. This letter serves as a vital endorsement of the client’s progress and stability. It should detail the client's participation in the case management program, including specific dates and any achievements. Failure to provide this letter not only weakens the application but can also classify it as incomplete.
Inaccurate or incomplete reporting of unresolved citations is another significant pitfall. Applicants often list only a portion of their unresolved tickets, which can reflect poorly on their cooperation and honesty. It is essential for applicants to remember that the Homeless Court can access their RAP sheets. Encouraging clients to provide all aliases and potential ticket details can mitigate this issue and present a complete picture to the reviewers.
Some individuals misinterpret the eligibility requirements regarding outstanding warrants. They may possess misdemeanor warrants that are deemed non-Homeless Court eligible. Even a single outstanding warrant can result in disqualification. Caseworkers must ensure their clients have no outstanding misdemeanor offenses before the submission of any application.
Documentation errors also frequently occur. For instance, failing to ensure correct spelling of the client’s name or other identification details will result in processing delays or outright rejection. Making sure that the spelling matches official records is non-negotiable. These seemingly minor mistakes can halt an application in its tracks.
Lastly, many applicants do not adhere to the submission guidelines. Confusions regarding electronic submissions, faxing, or mailing can lead to complications. Care should be taken to follow the outlined processes carefully. Submitting multiple applications or failing to provide all required documents in the preferred format can disrupt the process and lead to delays.
Documents used along the form
The Homeless Court Program in Los Angeles County utilizes several key documents alongside the Homeless Court Application form. Each of these documents plays a crucial role in ensuring proper administration and review of a client's eligibility for the program. Understanding these additional forms is essential for caseworkers involved in the application process.
- Homeless Court Application Form: This form must be completed by the caseworker managing the client’s case. The client's information, including all unresolved tickets, must be accurately documented. The application is only valid if signed after the client has met the necessary program requirements.
- Case Manager Certification: Found on page five of the application, this certification requires the case manager to attest to the client's progress in their program and select appropriate options indicating the client's goals, such as obtaining housing or employment.
- Letter of Support: The caseworker's letter must outline the client's duration in the program and the progress made. This letter should be on program letterhead, signed, and dated, as it provides critical information to the City Attorney’s office regarding the client’s eligibility.
- Client's RAP Sheet: This document provides a record of the client’s past citations and any other criminal offenses. While the caseworker submits the application, this internal record will help verify the details presented by the client.
- Proof of Program Participation: Documentation confirming the client’s completion of at least 90 days in a case management program needs to be supplied. This could include completion certificates or other relevant documentation from previous programs.
- Personal Progress Reports: These reports may be required to give insight into the client's engagement and progress in their case management program. They help validate the client’s commitment and readiness to participate in the Homeless Court.
- Request for Information: If a program has not been previously approved, this request may be sent to obtain necessary details about the program’s components and outcomes that support the applicant's situation.
- Applicant’s Consent Form: A form where the applicant consents to the sharing of their information among relevant parties involved in the assessment and processing of their Homeless Court application.
Each of these documents assists in establishing the client's eligibility and facilitating their potential success within the Homeless Court Program. It is essential for caseworkers to ensure all documentation is accurate and complete to promote the best outcomes for clients seeking refuge and stability.
Similar forms
- Intake Form: Like the Homeless Court Application, an intake form gathers essential client information and outlines eligibility requirements for program participation.
- Referral Form: This document, similar to the Homeless Court Application, is used by caseworkers to refer clients for specific services based on their unique circumstances and challenges.
- Eligibility Assessment: Much like the Homeless Court Application, an eligibility assessment form evaluates whether an individual meets the necessary criteria for program acceptance.
- Case Management Plan: Similar to the Homeless Court Application, a case management plan details the client's objectives and the steps needed to achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
- Progress Report: Just as the Homeless Court Application requires a detailed report of client progress, a progress report outlines achievements and ongoing challenges in the client's journey.
- Support Letter Template: Close in function to the Letter of Support, this template facilitates the creation of a letter that articulates the caseworker’s support for the client's application to various assistance programs.
- Criminal Background Check Consent: Like the Homeless Court Application, this document is designed to obtain client consent for conducting background checks, ensuring compliance with program eligibility.
- Release of Information Form: This form shares similarities with the Homeless Court Application in that it allows the caseworker to communicate relevant client information to other organizations involved in the client’s support and services.
Dos and Don'ts
- Do ensure the client meets the eligibility requirements before filling out the application.
- Do clearly print and complete all sections of the application, including the client's name and date of birth.
- Do provide a comprehensive letter of support detailing the client’s progress and participation in the program.
- Do verify that the client has no unresolved traffic tickets or warrants within six months of applying.
- Don't submit the application until the client has completed at least 90 days in the case management program.
- Don't include personal identification numbers or documents, such as a social security card, with the application.
Misconceptions
1. The Homeless Court Application is easy to fill out. Many people believe that the application is straightforward, but it requires accurate and complete information to avoid ineligibility.
2. Anyone can apply for Homeless Court. Only individuals who meet specific criteria, including a history of homelessness and participation in a case management program, are eligible to apply.
3. The program resolves all types of charges. The Homeless Court specifically focuses on minor infractions and certain low-grade misdemeanors, excluding serious offenses such as DUIs and tickets involving victims.
4. Applications can be submitted by clients directly. Clients must go through their caseworker, as self-referrals are not accepted under any circumstances.
5. There is no time limit on submitting tickets. A client must not have received any new tickets within six months prior to applying for the Homeless Court.
6. Prior participation in Homeless Court is allowed. Individuals can only participate in this program once; it is meant to be a one-time opportunity.
7. All case management programs are acceptable. The program only recognizes approved case management programs. Participation must meet the specified 90-day requirement.
8. A simple letter of support will suffice. The letter of support must be detailed, outlining the client's duration in the program and any progress made toward stability.
9. Homeless Court can handle all citations. The program only addresses citations issued within Los Angeles County; tickets from outside this jurisdiction will not be eligible for resolution.
10. The process is quick and straightforward. It can take several months, especially if the individual has multiple citations from different areas.
Key takeaways
Here are six key takeaways for filling out and using the Homeless Court Application form:
- Eligibility Requirements: Ensure the applicant has a history of homelessness or is at risk of becoming homeless. This requirement is crucial for acceptance into the program.
- Program Participation: The applicant must have completed at least 90 days in an approved case management program. This can include drug rehabilitation, job training, or mental health treatment.
- Traffic Tickets: Only unresolved traffic citations, certain low-grade misdemeanors, and infractions are eligible. Offenses involving violence or drugs are generally excluded from Homeless Court.
- Application Accuracy: Fill out the application form completely and legibly. Pay attention to details like the client's name, date of birth, and driver’s license number.
- Letter of Support: A letter from the caseworker detailing the client's progress and program participation is mandatory. This letter strengthens the application.
- No Self-Referrals: Clients cannot apply directly to Homeless Court. All referrals must come through a qualified caseworker who understands the applicant's situation.
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