Criminal Justice/Legal Issues

Mental Health Court Linkage Program (MHCLP)

The MHCLP is a problem-solving collaboration between the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and the Los Angeles Superior Court. This program serves adults 18 years and older with a mental illness or co-occurring disorder who are involved with the criminal justice system. A team of mental health clinicians co-located at courts throughout Los Angeles County offer the following services:

• Assistance and support to mentally ill defendants and their families navigating the court system

• Work with public defenders, judges, probation officers, and private attorneys hired by the defendants

• Inform consumers and the Court of appropriate treatment options

• Advocate for the mental health needs of consumers throughout the criminal proceedings

• Assist with the treatment of the consumer during incarceration

• Help when the consumer is released

• Diversion from the criminal justice system.

Call (626) 403-4370. Use this number for Pomona or a referral to other Los Angeles County Courts. Ask for the Officer of the Day (Mental Health Clinician).
Alternate Contact for Pomona: Sandra Lepe (909) 620-3246

Twin Towers Information Center (Inmate service) (213) 473-6100
www.LASD.org (Up-to-date inmate information and visitation scheduling)

LEGAL/ADVOCACY SERVICES 

Neighborhood Legal Services of LA County (Free)(800) 433-6251
This program includes help with such legal issues as housing/eviction, divorce, family & visitation rights, domestic violence, name change, government benefits, immigration & naturalization, worker‘s rights, criminal justice, employment, expungement, etc. There are several legal centers which are part of the Neighborhood Legal Services of LA County program. When calling, you will be directed to the appropriate and nearest legal center for your particular legal issue. Some of these centers provide walk-in services and some services may be provided by telephone.  www.nlsla.org

MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES, INC. (MHAS)

MHAS is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation providing free legal services to people with mental and developmental disabilities. MHAS assists children and adults with an emphasis on obtaining government benefits and services, protecting rights and fighting discrimination. It provides training and technical assistance to attorneys, mental health professionals, and consumer and family member groups. NOTE: MHAS participates in litigation. (213) 389-2077 www.MHAS-LA.org

SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS

PLAN (Planned Lifetime Assistance Network) of California, DBA: Proxy Parent Foundation
Proxy Parent Foundation helps bridge the gap between the public and private sectors of the mental health system. Proxy Parent Foundation is a nonprofit, California corporation dedicated to assisting people with disabilities.
(888) 574-1258 , (714) 997-3310
www.proxyparentfoundation.org

Debra G. Caldin, Trust Attorney
Makes home visits and the initial visit is a free consultation.
22842 Morro Drive, Carson, CA 90745
(818) 429-0551, (310) 707-7801
dcaldin@aol.com