2017 NLADA Annual Conference

This session will provide an overview of delivering trauma-informed civil legal services to clients who are in crisis. The panelists will discuss how trauma manifests in our clients and tools for providing effective advocacy to this population of clients. The panelists will explore the differences between clients in trauma and mental illness diagnoses. Specifically, the panelists will focus on the impact trauma can have on various civil legal cases including: housing, domestic violence, family, public benefits, and SSI cases. The session will provide an overview of how to recognize the signs of trauma in our clients and strategies for effective advocacy. Through case examples and focused discussion, the session will address successful legal strategies for presenting/addressing evidence of trauma and mental health issues in different civil proceedings.