250 likes | 362 Views
Virtual Self Help Center. Susan Ledray September 5-6, 2007 7 th -8 th District Retreat. Mid-1990s Pro Se Committees Study the Problem. CCJ MSBA Local Courts Addressing needs: access to justice, efficiency, fair outcomes. 2006. Seasoned programs
E N D
Virtual Self Help Center Susan Ledray September 5-6, 2007 7th-8th District Retreat
Mid-1990s Pro Se Committees Study the Problem • CCJ • MSBA • Local Courts Addressing needs: access to justice, efficiency, fair outcomes
2006 • Seasoned programs • Judicial Council adopts state-wide plan • Law Library/Courts • Legal Services Commission • MSBA Committee - unbundling
Virtual Self Help Center • Website • Court workstations • Centralized staff to answer questions via email and phone ******************************************* Future possibilities • Screening of papers via fax or forms sharing • Video conferencing • Classes via webcast or videoconferencing • Co-browsing, livechat
Components of Workstation • Desk • Computer • Internet, Adobe Acrobat, memory stick plug in • No ability to save to computer, No Outlook/email, separate V-lan • Printer (court supplies paper) • Headphones • Telephone (VoIP, connects to Call Center)
Forms • Court Forms link on permanent tab bar • Directed to specific forms within SH topics • Methods of completing forms • Get forms from court administration • Print forms at workstation (packet) • Use Adobe Acrobat to fill out forms • Use I-CAN! for IFP and Divorce with Children • Use Turbocourt for Conciliation Court
Support for Workstation Users • Your court/library may offer some support • Users from home can use the “Contact Us” link for email help • Phone support will be phased in • Start with pilot sites Oct 1 (tentative) • Develop best practices • Add additional sites as quickly as possible
Call Center Staff Three positions for ’08 (all attorneys) • Katrina Zabinski, supervisor • Melissa Kantola, grant funded/temporary • To be hired, temporary Requested $622,000 in new $ for 08-09 from Legislature Judicial Branch allocates $102,000 for ‘08
Who can use the Service? • No limitations by case type or income, but for MN District Court cases only • Building LEP resources • Not suitable for people with low literacy skills (some exceptions like videos) • Best for people who can read and follow instructions, but need some guidance or have questions • Complex cases = Referral to Lawyers
In-person Self Help Services • Virtual SHC doesn’t eliminate need for on site services or referral resources • Able to see their papers, read their court orders, screen completed forms • Better attuned to local procedures • Call Center staff will refer back to Court Admin • Send local procedures to call center staff • Post local procedures on your website
Virtual or In-person • All court and library services are limited by neutrality requirements • Rule 110 Gen.R.Prac for District Courts • Remember that it is “self-help” not “do it for you” • Can’t help with everything • Lawyer Referral and Unbundling
What is Success? Your ideas….