JusticeCorps Application Packet

2010-2011

Help others help themselves find justice Learn about the law, and life in return

Funded through AmeriCorps, JusticeCorps is a collaborative project of the California Administrative Office of the Courts; the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County; California State University Dominguez Hills; California State University at Long Beach; California State University at Northridge, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; the University of California at Los Angeles; the University of Southern California; Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles; Legal Aid Society of Orange County; Neighborhood Legal Services; Bet Tzedek, and the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs.

PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION BEFORE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION Program Description: California is experiencing an explosion in the number of individuals appearing in court without attorney representation on a variety of matters from family law to housing issues. The majority of these individuals are not obtaining professional help because they cannot afford it. Self–represented litigants face many obstacles in their attempts to resolve important legal matters, including a lack of familiarity with legal terms and mandatory forms and an inability to follow or fully comprehend court proceedings or orders given in court. Inability to resolve legal matters jeopardizes litigants’ ability to secure safe, affordable housing, to overcome barriers to employment, to obtain guardianships, or to avoid domestic violence and elder abuse. It also has far reaching societal impacts including: family instability and resultant increases in numbers of children involved in the juvenile dependency and delinquency system; a general lack of public trust and confidence in the court system; increased challenges for law enforcement officers; and increased rates of homelessness. As a JusticeCorps member you will be trained to provide legal information to self–represented litigants to assist them with resolving important legal matters such as those described above. Service will consist of one-on-one interaction with litigants and assisting attorneys providing workshops and consultations. Important Facts You Need to Know: • JusticeCorps members are required to complete 300 hours of service (this includes training

workshops and reflection sessions held at your university during some weekdays and weekends). • Once your service hours are completed, you become eligible for a $1000.00 education award. • All 300 service hours must be completed between: September 2010 - August 2011. • JusticeCorps members must serve a minimum of 6-8 hours per week (one full day or two half days)

while in the program. Hours of operation are generally between 8:00 or 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Service sites do not operate in the evenings or on the weekends.

• Members must provide continuous service for the entire program year (September 2010 - August 2011). Exceptions apply only if you are a graduating senior. Graduating seniors are strongly encouraged to finish their JusticeCorps hours by the end of their academic year (May or June).

JusticeCorps Member minimum qualifications include the following: • You must be 17 years or older, a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident of the

United States with a high school diploma/GED. You will be asked to provide documentation of your age and citizenship status. (See application for a list of paperwork considered acceptable documentation).

• As a JusticeCorps member you are a volunteer of the Superior Court of California in the County Los Angeles. The court requires all volunteers to complete a live scan fingerprinting and to pass a local security background check. Failure to pass these two security measures will result in ineligibility to participate in JusticeCorps.

• Members must be able to attend all JusticeCorps trainings; including weekend trainings. • Members should possess experience and/or interest in working on problems in the community; strong

verbal skills, good organizational skills and ability to follow through with assigned tasks; the ability to interact professionally with litigants, peers, court staff, and supervisors; and the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and stressful environment.

• Members must be able to provide their own transportation to the service location and trainings. • Members must have access to email and check email regularly (a minimum of two times a week). • Members must be able to maintain a 2.5 GPA.

JusticeCorps Application

2010-2011 APPLICATION: Please complete this application online. Please note: Handwritten applications will NOT be accepted. When completed print the application, sign it, and return it to your campus service learning center (addresses are listed on the last page of the application). Check the last page of this application for application deadlines. Applications will continue to be accepted until all positions are filled.

I. Personal Profile Full Name

Major and University

Student ID #

Current Address (all information will be sent to this address unless you notify us of a change)

City, State, Zip

Phone #

Are you moving within the next six months? Yes No If yes, when? Month/Day/Year

*Please notify us of new address at time of move Permanent Address

City, State, Zip

Phone #

Alt. Phone # (cell, pager, etc.)

Email (provide account you check most regularly)

Social Security #

Date of Birth

Gender

Race/Ethnicity (Optional)

Class Standing (Freshman-Sr.)

GPA

Expected Date of Graduation

You will be required to attend a two day orientation before you begin service. If this orientation is scheduled for September 11-12, 2010 will you be able to attend? Yes No Are you available to attend trainings on Saturday throughout the year if you accepted into JusticeCorps? Yes No

II. Experience List any relevant past or present extracurricular/community service activities you are or have been involved in. Briefly describe why you decided to get involved and what you found most valuable and/or challenging about your experience(s).

How many hours per week do you currently spend on work or extracurricular activities? (if applicable) Will you continue to be involved in these activities if you are accepted into JusticeCorps?

Please list any languages you speak other than English, and your level of proficiency (beginner, intermediate, fluent. Please note this is not a requirement to participate in JusticeCorps). Have you previously served in AmeriCorps Yes No

Program Location: From: To: Did you complete your term of service? Yes No

If no, please explain:

III. Program Information Please answer each of the following questions (If additional space is needed please attach a separate page). A. Please explain why you want to participate in JusticeCorps and what you hope to gain from the experience. Consider why you want to participate in JusticeCorps vs. another volunteer experience. B. How do you expect involvement in JusticeCorps to tie into your past experiences and future goals?

IV. Service Placement JusticeCorps provides an intensive, service experience. You will be required to perform a minimum of six to eight hours of service per week for up to 11 months. You must provide one full day of service or two half days of service per week during operating hours (generally 8:00 or 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday-Friday). Below you will find a list of service locations. Please indicate your site preference and which day/shift(s) you will be able to serve.

Service Sites

Self-Help Programs

All Self-Help and Resource Centers are free walk-in clinics created to help people help themselves. They offer workshops, legal forms and information to individuals seeking legal recourse without a lawyer. JusticeCorps members work with individuals one-on-one by helping them complete court paperwork, by making referrals, or through assistance at a workshop. Depending on placement, JusticeCorps members will learn about dissolution of marriage (divorce), child custody, paternity, housing law, general civil issues, elder abuse, guardianships, civil harassment, and probate law. Locations:

Antelope Valley Self-Help Legal Access Center City of San Fernando Self-Help Legal Access Center Compton Self-Help Legal Access Center Inglewood Self-Help Legal Access Center Los Angeles Resource Center (Downtown, Stanley Mosk Courthouse) Long Beach Self-Help Legal Access Center Norwalk Resource Center Pasadena Resource Center Pomona Self-Help Legal Access Center Torrance Self-Help Center Van Nuys Self-Help Legal Access Center (priority placement will be given to members who live in the San

Fernando Valley).

Small Claims Advisor Program The Small Claims Advisory Program provides information and counseling to litigants and potential litigants concerning all aspects of the Small Claims Court process. Members learn how to research and review relevant code sections and how to select and complete correct forms. Members will learn how to assist clients with case preparation, collecting a judgment, appealing a judgment and how to sue the party that is suing you, and more. JusticeCorps members serve litigants directly at the Small Claims Court Advisory office or on the Small Claims Court Advisory telephone hotline. The Small Claims Advisor Program is a branch of the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs and this provides members the opportunity to learn about consumer topics, real estate issues, and ID theft prevention. Location:

Downtown Los Angeles Small Claims Advisor Office

Site Preference: Please provide a minimum of your three top site preferences. Unfortunately, your first choice cannot be guaranteed.

First choice:

Second choice:

Third choice:

Other: Proposed hours served for fall 2010: Please provide two preferences (choose at minimum one full-day or two half-day shifts). We understand that your schedule may change each semester/quarter. Morning shifts = 8:00 am – 12:30 pm. Afternoon = 12:00 pm 4:30 pm at Resource Centers and 1:30 pm -4:30 pm at Self Help centers. Members MUST serve complete shifts (you cannot arrive late or leave early). First Preference: Day of Week: Monday Morning Afternoon All Day Day of Week: Tuesday Morning Afternoon All Day Day of Week: Wednesday Morning Afternoon All Day Day of Week: Thursday Morning Afternoon All Day Day of Week: Friday Morning * Second Preference: Day of Week: Monday Morning Afternoon All Day Day of Week: Tuesday Morning Afternoon All Day Day of Week: Wednesday Morning Afternoon All Day Day of Week: Thursday Morning Afternoon All Day Day of Week: Friday Morning * *Please be aware that all of the self-help programs excluding the Small Claims Advisor Program are closed on Friday afternoons.

V. Citizenship Information Are you a United States citizen, national or lawful permanent resident alien?

Yes No

Please attach a photocopy of one of the following documents to this application to verify your residency status. Failure to provide this documentation will make you ineligible to participate in JusticeCorps.

A birth certificate showing that you were born in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands

A United States passport Certificate of naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570) Certificate of citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561) Permanent resident card, INS (Form 1-551) Alien registration receipt card, INS (Form I-551)

VI. Additional Information Transportation: Members must provide their own transportation to JusticeCorps service sites and trainings. You will be reimbursed for mileage and public transportation fares if you provide an original receipt by specified deadlines. What is your method of transportation?

own car bus line other, please specify Selection Criteria: The number of participants in JusticeCorps is limited. The following criteria will be used to select JusticeCorps members:

Evidence of commitment to the entire year and full participation in the program, including completion of 300 hours of service.

Ability to perform the service requirements, including ability to attend weekend trainings Potential to benefit from participation Strong Communication skills Must meet AmeriCorps residency requirements Must pass security clearance

Uniform: JusticeCorps will provide each member with two uniform shirts. Please indicate your shirt size (shirts run small):

small medium large x- large xx-large other: VII. Certification My signature below attests that all statements made in this application are accurate and truthful and confirm my understanding that any misrepresentations or false statements made in this application may result in not being considered for service, and that if not discovered by JusticeCorps until after acceptance, such misrepresentations could be grounds for immediate termination.

Signature ___________________________________ Date: _____ As an equal opportunity employer, JusticeCorps encourage applications for all individuals regardless or age, gender, race, ethnicity or physical ability, and evaluates all candidates on a merit basis. JusticeCorps is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network.

VIII. Security Information

Read this information before completing the following security form.

JusticeCorps members are volunteers of the Superior Court of California in the County of Los Angeles. All court volunteers are required to submit a completed security form. Please fill out the Security Clearance Form below honestly and completely. You are advised to disclose all arrests, criminal cases, convictions, fines, probations, and suspended sentences (including in military proceedings or courts), even if you believe something has been expunged from your record. You are also advised to specify any unresolved issues including traffic violations which are currently in dispute or have yet to be resolved (e.g. you have not yet paid a traffic ticket). Existence of arrest or criminal conviction/adjudication will not automatically disqualify you from consideration. However, any misrepresentation or failure to list past or present arrests, criminal cases, convictions, fines, probations, and suspended sentences will disqualify you. After your form has been processed and cleared, you are required to do a Live Scan (fingerprinting) that will be submitted for U.S. Department of Justice security clearance. You will be notified of the time and place to complete the Live Scan. The Superior Court, as a criminal justice agency, has the legal right to require applicants to disclose all of the above, including misdemeanor and felony arrests without prosecution or conviction, despite otherwise potential claims to constitutional rights of privacy, expungement, and/or sealing of records. Any failure to disclose will be considered a misrepresentation which could prevent your participation in JusticeCorps. PLEASE COMPLETE SECURITY FORM ON NEXT PAGE

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

SECURITY CLEARANCE

PRINT NAME: (Last)

(First) (M.I.)

Other Names Used: (Last)

(First) (M.I.)

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Driver’s License No.:

Expiration: DOB:

CA I.D. No.:

Expiration: SSN:

Proper conduct by Court employees inspires public confidence and trust in the Court and conveys the values of impartiality, equality, and fairness that brings integrity to the Court’s work. Court employees are expected to demonstrate, through both words and actions, the highest level of personal integrity and honesty in all professional and personal dealings. Employees are also to refrain from any perceived or actual impropriety including violating the law. The Court conducts criminal background checks on candidates to whom it makes offers of employment. Existence of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment. In evaluating an applicant’s suitability for Court employment, the Court will consider such factors as the nature and recency of the offense(s), the number of offenses and any mitigating circumstances.

Full and complete responses to the questions below are required and will be carefully evaluated and verified. Employees’ fingerprints are sent to State and Federal agencies for a check of criminal record history. Any false statement or omission of a material fact will cause forfeiture of all rights to employment.

ARREST AND CONVICTION INFORMATION Pursuant to California Labor Code section 432.7, the Court, as a criminal justice agency, may inquire about arrests including those that did not result in convictions.

1. Have you ever been convicted of an offense(s) in any criminal or military court or

has a juvenile court petition(s) ever been filed against you and found true? Please mark the appropriate box below and, if “Yes”, please explain in the chart below. Note: Exclude any offense(s) which resulted in the successful completion of a deferred entry of judgment program(s) (pre-trial diversion) or any offense(s) where court record has been sealed.

YES NO

2. Are you currently being charged, or have you ever been charged, for any violation(s) of law other than minor traffic violations – examples of a minor traffic violation include driving without a license or with a suspended license, speeding,

failing to signal, etc.? Please note that “driving under the influence” and “reckless driving” are not minor violations. Please mark the appropriate box below and, if “Yes”, please explain in the chart below.

YES NO

3. Have you ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement agency or

military authority including any arrests while a juvenile? Please mark the appropriate box below and, if “Yes”, please explain in the chart below. Note: Exclude any arrests which resulted in the successful completion of a deferred entry of judgment program(s) (pre-trial diversion) or any arrests where the records have been sealed.

YES NO

If the response to Question 1,2 and/or 3 is “Yes”, provide the information requested below (attach additional sheets if necessary using the same format).

Date Offense & Location (City/State) Disposition

4. As an adult, has a warrant(s) ever been issued for your arrest? Please mark the

appropriate box below and, if “Yes”, please explain in the chart below. Include date(s), reason(s), and disposition of warrant(s). Note: Exclude warrants which resulted in the successful completion of a deferred entry of judgment program(s) (pre-trial diversion).

YES NO

Date Reason Disposition

Separation from Employment under Unfavorable Circumstances

5. While on probation or on a similar type of on-the-job trial period, were you ever

terminated, discharged, released, or did you resign? Mark the appropriate box below.

YES NO

6. Have you ever been terminated from any employment, or did you resign while you

were under investigation, or after being informed discipline would be taken, or under any other unfavorable circumstances? Mark the appropriate box below.

YES NO

If the response to Question 5 and/or 6 is “Yes”, provide the requested information below (attach additional sheets if necessary using the same format).

Date Employer Reason for Discharge/Resignation and/or Failure of Probation

I certify that the above information is true and correct and that I have not misrepresented my qualifications and/or background. I understand and agree that any false statement or omission of a material fact will cause forfeiture of all rights to employment or participation as a contractor or volunteer with the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. SIGNATURE: ____________________________ DATE: ______

Comments: _______________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Received by: _____________________________ Date: ___________

FOR HUMAN RESOURCES

USE ONLY

Application Checklist Did you remember to…..

Include a photocopy of your citizenship/residency status documentation (a social security card or driver’s license are not adequate documentation)

Fully complete and sign your JusticeCorps application

Fully complete and sign your security form (If you have any questions regarding what information to include on this form, consult with JusticeCorps staff before submitting your application)

Provide a placement preference and include a proposed service schedule

Include your shirt size

Thank you for your interest in JusticeCorps

Please return your application to: Cal State Dominguez Hills: Application deadline, April 5, 2010 Community Service Learning SCC3 Room 300 Phone: (310) 243-2438 fax: (310) 516-3495 Cal Poly Pomona: Application deadline, April 9, 2010

Center for Community Service-Learning, Room 1-113 Cal Poly University, Pomona Phone: (909) 869-4574 fax: (909) 869-4515

Cal State Long Beach: Application deadline, April 5, 2010

Center for Community Engagement East Library/Academic Services, Room 127 Phone: (562) 985-2307 fax: (562) 985-2129

CSUN: Application deadline, April 2, 2010 Center for Community Service Learning Sierra Hall, Room 435 Phone: (818) 677-7395 fax: (818) 677-5935

UCLA: Application deadline, April 5, 2010 Center for Community Learning A 265 Murphy Hall Phone: (310) 825-7867 fax: (310) 267-2482

USC: Application deadline, April 9, 2010

Dan Carino, Pre-Law Advisor, Office of College Advising 3454 Trousdale Parkway, CAS 120 Phone: ( 213)740-2534 fax: (213) 740-3664

As an equal opportunity employer, JusticeCorps encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or physical ability, and evaluates all candidates on a merit basis. JusticeCorps is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. Candidates must be 17 years or older.