Court Advocacy Program

Initial Consultation and Safety Plan – The victim is interviewed at our confidential location and her and her children’s critical needs are identified. Determination is made about interpreter services, the extent of her disability, needs of her children, any appropriate medical referrals, immediate legal needs and all safety issues. An individualized detailed safety plan will then be designed with the guidance of a retired Torrance police officer. This service addresses the need for the victim and her children to feel safe in her community and receive the appropriate services.
 

Domestic Violence Information/Referral Service – A domestic violence advocate will interview each victim to assess the Differentiating Factors of Violence and Abuse. Researched viable referral services such as: Sexual Assault Support Services, Cultural Support Services, Interpreter Services will be made available to each victim as needed. This service addresses the need for the victim to receive immediate crisis counseling and services so that she can keep focused on her litigation.
 

Legal Needs Assessment Service – The victim’s case is reviewed and a family law attorney is consulted when necessary. Assistance is provided by a Legal Document Assistant in completing forms, declarations and responses as required. This service addresses the need for on-going legal information and assistants.
 

Team Court Advocacy Consultation and Accompaniment Service – A case assessment is completed and family court policies, procedures and protocols are taught through workshops and “New Life Advocacy’s Guide Through California’s Family Court System for Victims of Domestic Violence”, which each victim will receive. The team court advocates will accompany the victim to each court appearance and to all family court service appointments as the law allows. This service addresses the need for the victim to have emotional support and education about the system, which will make life-changing decisions for her and her children.
 

Domestic Violence Support Group and Teen Domestic Violence Awareness Group – These two support groups are designed to break the cycle of violence and to teach awareness to teens. Our support groups addresses the need in the community for a safe meeting place for victims and/or potential teen victims to become educated about family and dating violence.