streetlaw > 2007-2008 outreach

Search & Seizure
Search & Seizure made a record number of eight presentations this year, visiting Sheldon and Churchill High Schools and the LEAD Teen Center. The group also updated their curriculum and created new bylaws and positions including: an Outreach Coordinator to locate teaching venues in the community, Teachers-in-Charge to facilitate classes, and Curriculum Coordinators who will design new curriculum and lead volunteer training sessions.

Landlord/Tenant
Landlord/Tenant StreetLaw continued its involvement with the Second Chance Rehabilitation Program in Springfield, providing eight classes during the year in an effort to assist low-income community members in regaining access to rental housing.

Spanish
In 2007-2008, Spanish StreetLaw moved forward in its efforts to translate existing courses and establish classes of its own. They laid the foundation for a collaboration with El Centro Latinoamericano, to provide a more focused picture of what the Spanish speaking community needs and the challenges it faces. As a result, work on an Employment Law curriculum for the El Centro's clients is being discussed. In addition, translation and refinement of the Landlord Tenant curriculum, and are standing by for classes and materials from Search & Seizure StreetLaw, are going to be translated in the coming year. To help move efforts forward, two new positions have been created: Translation Coordinator and a Programs Coordinator to act as a liaison with the other StreetLaw groups.

Juvenile Justice
Juvenile Justice StreetLaw continued its outreach to local young people in the community to inform them about their rights and responsibilities, and how various laws impact them. They returned to the Serbu Juvenile Detention Center this year to help share information with detained juveniles. Nine classes were taught this year, including an assembly at a high school. Presentations covered: Measure 11, search and seizure, expunging juvenile records, a general overview of laws affecting minors, and post-detention options.