Conducting mental health training; writing, researching and compiling mental health handbooks ~ Some attorneys and judges, particularly those not focused exclusively on criminal practice, are unaware of Louisiana laws governing identification, diversion, and treatment of people with mental illness or mental retardation. Recognizing the need for training and support in this area, Louisiana Appleseed is collaborating with other area organizations to create a Louisiana-focused handbook that will serve as a guide for practitioners when representing clients with mental health issues and mental retardation. Louisiana Appleseed will compile, print and deliver the manual. In addition, Appleseed plans to hold free Continuing Legal Education classes on the topic. Louisiana public defenders, as well as private practitioners and mental health workers, eagerly anticipate the handbooks and training sessions, recognizing the great need to learn how to best serve clients with these issues.
Project Partners: Louisiana Justice Coalition, Loyola School of Law, LSU School of Social Work, Texas Appleseed, Tulane Law School Criminal Clinic, Louisiana Public Defenders’ Association and law firm Adams and Reese.