The Holistic Practice of Law By Monica Bogucki, BSW, JD COPYRIGHT MONICA BOGUCKI 2018

What is the Holistic Practice of Law? Recognition that a client may have multiple legal issues and the need for other interdisciplinary resources.

What is the Holistic Practice of Law? Spotting multiple issues for clients Treating clients with great respect Short-term problem solving Long-term problem solving Multi-disciplinary referrals Being an extraordinary listener

Spotting multiple issues Spotting legal issues Spotting social service issues Spotting basic living needs issues

Crisis Oriented Thinking Clients living in poverty are often in crisis oriented thinking and problem solving It is important to problem solve the emergencies and short term problems, but crucial to also problem solve long term problems

Multi-disciplinary referrals Referrals to social service agencies Referrals to doctors, psychologists, social workers Referrals to emergency shelters; transitional housing, subsidized housing Referrals for evaluations, physical, mental health or chemical dependency

Developing a multidisciplinary professional network Develop professional relationships with doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, …… Become knowledgeable about social service referrals Emergency shelters for families Emergency shelters for individuals Specialized housing options………

Hypotheticals Brian, a 55 year old male with organic cognitive brain injury due to a car accident, applied for Social Security Disability but was recently denied. He can no longer afford his current living arrangement. He lives on general assistance of $203.00 per month, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Short Term Housing-homeless shelter or transitional housing. Subsidized housing Possibly a form of assisted or supportive living Attorney for RSDI appeal Free meal sites Food shelves Energy assistance Mental health services Medical care Transportation-may need special transportation Rep payee for RSDI Authorized rep for government benefits Guardianship/conservatorship

Mary Mary is 16 years old. She is staying with a friend because she said that she does not feel safe at home. Her step-father has physically assaulted her mother and her. She does not want to live at home anymore. She is a junior in high school and will graduate from high school next year. Emergency shelter-the Bridge, Ain Dah Yung Attorney who can advise her regarding; OFP, CHIPS, Emancipation, DOPA Apply for subsidized youth housing, The Nicollet, Archdale Free meal sites Free school breakfast and lunch Mental health counseling specializing in domestic violence Medical care Transportation Government benefits-emergency SNAP, Medical Assistance General Assistance Are there relatives or other safe adults that she can live with?

Sara Sara is 25 years old and has two children, Amy (3 years old) and Tom (1 year old). Sara is not married to Amy and Tom’s father, Dave They have been living together. Dave has been abusive to Sara. Sara received an eviction notice from her landlord due to the numerous police calls.

Trauma-Informed Care Recognition that some of the clients that we serve have experienced physical, emotional or other trauma that has significantly impacted their lives. It may have happened when they were a child or as an adult or both. Recognition that this can cause long-term effects. Clients come to us wounded and broken

Trauma Informed Care How do we communicate with clients? We do not want to trigger past trauma Make sure that our legal advice is heard

Working with Other Professionals Provide a thorough written summary If you are requesting an opinion from them, provide them with the necessary forms, format and legal criteria General Assistance Supplemental Security Income MFIP Medical Assistance