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 | October 2011 |
 Cleveland Homeless Legal Assistance Program
| Issue No. 13
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Cleveland Bans the Box from City Applications
Greetings!
Cleveland has joined the leading edge of communities that "ban the box," meaning one more barrier to employment has been removed for formerly incarcerated individuals seeking employment with the city.
Mayor Frank G. Jackson announced a policy change Sept. 26 to promote fair employment opportunities by removing the checkbox to indicate whether or not an applicant has a felony conviction from City of Cleveland job and civil service testing applications. The change means that only finalists for a position will undergo a background check, making Cleveland one of only 28 cities/counties in the U.S. to "ban the box."
The measure is intended to address the growing number of people re-entering the community after serving their sentence who need work and to give them a fair chance at employment opportunities. According to the city's public safety director, the policy change will also improve community safety by helping to prevent recidivism.
For full press release, click here. For Plain Dealer article, click here.
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Update for Manual
Please update your CHLAP manual for volunteers to reflect that the phone number for the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Employment Law clinic is (216) 687-3947. The listing is found in the resources for individuals with possible employment issues.
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Upcoming clinics & events
Pro Bono Week Oct. 23-29
For a calendar of CMBA and Legal Aid Pro Bono Week activities, click here.
"How to Start a Small Business as a Restored Citizen" Workshop on Oct. 26
Click here for info. For more about how you can help or for information for attendees, please email Ashley Field or call (216) 325-9431.
CMBF 10th Annual Halloween Fun Run Oct. 29
Benefits CMBA pro bono and community programs, including CHLAP and The 3Rs: click here to register.
Legal Aid Society of Cleveland Clinics
For a calendar of Legal Aid brief advice/intake clinics, please visit the Legal Aid website at www.lasclev.org.
Cleveland Lawyers' Initiative on Reentry (CLIR)
Brief Advice/Intake Clinics
North Star Neighborhood Reentry Resource Center, 1:00-4:00 p.m.2011: Nov. 11, Dec. 9
Periodic training sessions for new volunteers TBA - call Brian Lamb at (216) 566-5590 for more information.
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In the News
New Grants and Merger Helping to Better Support Victims of Domestic Violence in Cuyahoga County
On Oct. 3, the Plain Dealer reported that families embroiled in divorce and custody conflicts that involve domestic abuse will soon get more support in Cuyahoga County's Domestic Relations Court. A federal grant from the Office of Violence Against Women provides $300,000 to the court, the Domestic Violence Child Advocacy Center, the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland to pay for two new positions and to train court staff. This spring, a leap in the transformation took placewhen the Domestic Violence Center of Cleveland merged with Bellflower Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, which leaders said was an acknowledgement that the issues at the heart of their missions were often intertwined in a way that couldn't and shouldn't be separated.
Click here for full article.
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Free CLE Opportunities
Domestic Relations Basics and Courthouse Walk-Through
Oct. 26 - 8:30 a.m.- 12:45 p.m.
1 Lakeside Ave.
The "Domestic Relations Court Walk-Through" offers attendees the chance to learn more about rule requirements, the layout of the courts, and how-tos for filing with the Court. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with DR Court judges and ask questions of the Court and staff.
The CLE is FREE to all attendees who also attend a Volunteer Clinic in the afternoon at the Court. Click here for more information and to register.
Legal Considerations for the Terminally Ill
Oct. 26 - 3:00-5:00 p.m.
1301 E. 9th St., 2nd Level (CMBA)
As part of its new Hospice Initiative, the Justice For All Committee of the CMBA offers this two-hour CLE seminar on the basics of end-of-life legal planning with a focus on patients in hospice care. This seminar will prepare volunteers and others interested in the topic to assist people facing health care and estate planning issues, including an overview of guardianship, powers of attorney, living wills, health care powers of attorney, transfer on death deeds and other planning documents.
The seminar is open to all, but is FREE for volunteers in CMBA or Legal Aid pro bono and community service programs. Click here for more information and to register.
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Pro Bono Week - Oct. 23-29
The CMBA and The Legal Aid Society have partnered in sponsoring Pro Bono Week in the greater Cleveland community again this year October 23 through 29, 2011.
CHLAP volunteers are invited to attend their choice of CLEs offered by Legal Aid and the CMBA in connection with Pro Bono Week free of charge. CHLAP volunteers are also invited to attend a special recognition event on Oct. 26 at the Barley House honoring all attorneys who volunteer their services pro bono - RSVP here.
For a full Pro Bono Week calendar click here. RSVPs required for CLEs and other Pro Bono Week events.
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Archived CHLAP Newsletters
Issue 12 - September 2011
Issue 11 - August 2011
Issue 10 - June/July 2011
Issue 9 - May 2011
Issue 8 - April 2011
Issue 7 - March 2011
Issue 6 - February 2011
Issue 5 - January 2011
Issue 4 - December 2010
Issue 3 - November 2010
Issue 2 - October 2010
Issue 1 - September 2010
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Cleveland Homeless Legal Assistance Program
This partnership between the CMBA and the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless aims to serve those in the community in need of help but least able to access legal assistance. Volunteer lawyers staff regularly scheduled sessions at many locations throughout Cleveland, including homeless shelters, to provide legal advice and assistance to homeless or at-risk individuals. Attorneys volunteer at varying levels of commitment, from helping with intake interviews and providing brief advice to accepting referrals for direct extended representation.
Visit CHLAP online - click here for the latest updates, volunteer materials, and other information.
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