Provides individual support and help with opportunities for personal growth including assistance with safety planning, housing options, transportation, assistance with criminal and civil court issues, assistance in writing Orders for ?Protection and Harassment Orders, and help in applying for government assistance.?? Satellite offices offered in Dodge and Fillmore counties.

Responsibilities of the County Attorney's Office include: - Adult prosecution - Child custody decrees - Child protection cases - Child support and paternity matters - Civil advice - Family services - Juvenile prosecution - Pursuing improvement and prevention: Plays an important role in seeking new laws to strengthen law enforcement, criminal justice, child protection, victim's rights, and other areas. Also participates in efforts to prevent or reduce crime in the local communities and statewide. - Victim/Witness Assistance

- Accompany victims to court hearings - Assist, communicate, and network in securing services through other agencies - Assist with obtaining/preparing/filing orders for protection and harassment restraining orders - Assist with preparation of claims to the Minnesota Crime Victims Reparation Board and/or restitution claims - Inform victims of the status of any criminal case, and to serve as a link between victim and prosecuting attorney - Notify victims of their rights as a victim of crime, empower them to exercise their rights, acquaint victims with the criminal justice system - One-to-one communication with and advocacy for victims and witnesses of general crime, sexual assault, and domestic abuse - Provide support and advocacy at hospital to sexual assault victims if requested - Respond to victims' self-defined crisis needs - Serve as a link between victim and prosecuting attorney There does not need to be a call to law enforcement or criminal charges filed for this program to assist victims.

Provides services and support groups for victims of domestic violence and anger management in the Native American community. - Anger management groups (men and women) - Assist with obtaining an order for protection - Counseling for victims of crime - Domestic Abuse support group - Support in court proceedings

Civil Division: - Advises and represents the community social services department under state and federal mandates Criminal Division: - Prosecutes criminal acts and provides leadership to law enforcement Juvenile Division: - The Juvenile Division attorneys carry a caseload of both juvenile prosecution cases and child protection cases Victim-Witness Division: - Fulfills statutorily mandated advocacy assistance, information and services for victims and witnesses Services Include: - Child Custody Decrees - Child Support Assistance/Enforcement - Conservatorship Assistance - County Counsel - Crime Victim Compensation - Crime Victim Notification Services - Crime Witness Support - Criminal Law - District Attorney - Domestic/Family Violence Legal Services - Estate Entitlement Assistance - General Crime Victim Assistance - Guardianship Assistance - Juvenile Diversion - Paternity Suits - Paternity/Maternity Establishment - Permanent Restraining Orders - Stalking/Harassment Orders

- Child and adult protection representation - Child custody orders - Child support and paternity cases - Commitments for mental illness, chemical dependency, or mental retardation - Conservatorships - Crime witness support; victim notification - Criminal and delinquency prosecution; District Attorney - Criminal protective orders - Domestic/family violence legal services - Guardianships - Initiates CHIPS (Child in need of protection or services) - Juvenile diversion - Legal representation of county boards and agencies; county counsel - Prosecutes misdemeanors and felonies - Requests restitution - Stalking/Harassment orders - Temporary and permanent restraining orders

Individuals can talk to an attorney about victimization. The attorney advises the individual about orders for protection (domestic violence), harassment orders and more.

Processes and maintains court cases regarding divorce, legal separation, paternity, child custody, and child support. Maintains records of divorce decrees and other family court orders for cases heard in Hennepin County. The Domestic Abuse Service Center serves people who are victims of violence caused by a family or household member. Services are for anyone who has been the victim of actual or threatened violence by a person with whom they have had a romantic or sexual relationship, or people who have lived together. Services include: Advocacy; filing protection orders, connecting with a prosecution team; and seek legal consultation and representation from pro-bono attorneys.

Works with victims of general crimes, including physical assault, harassment, stalking, identity theft, attempted murder, and men who are victims of intimate partner violence, in addition to other crime victimizations. Provides support through services: - Assists in applying for compensation assistance from the Crime Reparations Board - Assists in filing Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders - Assists in preparing a victim impact statement - Assists with restitution paperwork - Being a liaison between the victim, the police department, and the county attorney - Provides crisis intervention for victims - Provides help through the crisis line - Provides referrals to community and area agencies. Grant funds (when available) are used to meet the emergency needs of crime victims - Provides victim rights information - Support and guidance through medical, law enforcement, and legal processes Emergency assistance includes, but is not limited to, the following expenses: - Cleanup of a crime scene - Purchase and installation of necessary home security devices - Reimbursement for reasonable travel and living expenses that the victim incurred to attend court proceedings that were held at a location other than the place where the crime occurred, due to the change in venue - Reimbursement of towing and storage fees incurred due to impoundment of a recovered stolen vehicle - Replacement of necessary property that was lost, damaged, or stolen as a result of a crime - Transportation to locations related to the victim's needs as a victim such as medical facilities and facilities of the criminal justice system. - When available, funding through the program can be used for items such as repairing a broken door, installing new locks, and replacing clothing or bedding taken as evidence.

Domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy and therapeutic services program offered through a multi-year grant from the State Office of Justice Programs. Services include: - Case management and resource referrals - Emotional support and coping skills - Group therapy - Individual therapy including art therapy, Narrative Exposure Therapy, play therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Information about victim rights and resources - Learning about abuse, its effects, and opportunities for healing - Legal Advocacy: Court and law enforcement interview accompaniment; applying for an Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order - Safety planning

- Child and adult protection representation - Child custody decrees - Child support and paternity cases on behalf of the human services agency - Commitments - Conservatorships - Crime witness support - Crime victim assistance and notification - Crime victim compensation - Criminal and delinquency prosecution; juvenile diversion - Guardianships - Legal representation of county boards and agencies - Restraining Orders The Martin County Attorney does not provide personal services to individual residents

Bluff Country Family Resources provides crisis response and ongoing supportive services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Services include a 24-hour crisis line providing immediate telephone connection with a trained volunteer advocate who can provide immediate in-person crisis response services. The advocate can also assist with obtaining a protective order / temporary restraining order, safety planning, and accompaniment to court or legal services (restraining orders, stalking/harassment orders, divorce proceedings, child custody issues, or other related legal concerns). Emergency financial assistance may also be available for food, gas, or other basic necessities (on a case-by-case basis). Other services include ongoing emotional support including mutual support groups for survivors of domestic violence, harassment, or stalking and information and referral to appropriate community agencies including referrals for male survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault.

Attorney services include: - Child custody decrees - Child protection representation - Child support assistance/enforcement - Conservatorship assistance - County counsel - Court filing assistance - Crime victim compensation - Crime victim notification services - Crime victim assistance - Crime witness support - Criminal law - District Attorney - Domestic/family violence legal services - Estate entitlement assistance - Guardianship assistance - Juvenile delinquency prosecution and diversion - Paternity suits - Paternity/maternity establishment - Permanent restraining orders - Stalking/harassment orders - Temporary restraining orders - Third-party involuntary commitment petition services The County Attorney is not permitted to provide legal advice to citizens, but can refer them to a department, agency, or private law firm that can help them.

One-stop service center for victims and survivors of domestic violence that is staffed by a collaborative of 18 agencies that provide legal advocacy services at court. Available services may include: - Crisis intervention and personal advocacy - Legal advocacy - Legal consultation and representation - Law enforcement investigation and prosecution of offenders - Order for Protection writing/filing - Referral to shelter, permanent and transitional housing, employment, personal counseling, safe child visitation services, and other community partners - Supervised play for children while the parent/guardian is accessing services After hours or on the weekends, individuals should call the Saint Paul Domestic Abuse Intervention Project. See separate listing.

- Assistance for victims - Advocacy - Orders For Protection - Crime Reparations - Individual and Group support - Medical and Legal Information or support - Community Education

Assists individuals and families who are affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and general crime situations. Services include: - A 24-hour crisis hotline where trained advocates will listen, support, and provide individuals with information - Support groups for children dealing with abuse, divorce, foster care, anger management, other high-risk situations, and assistance with Orders for Protection - Personal advocacy and counseling referrals are available to help with emotional trauma

Court services including scheduling and administering civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and conciliation (small claims) court matters, jury selection, and court filing. - Order for Protection filing office - Stalking/harassment orders - Local jury call-in line

- Provides advocacy for Asian victims of domestic violence - Crime victim accompaniment services - Advocates work in criminal and family courts - Assists with shelter placement and obtaining Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders

Free, confidential services for crime victims and witnesses: - Assistance obtaining Orders for Protection/Restraining Orders, if the victim/witness requests - Compensation - Assistance in obtaining witness fees and information as to eligibility and reimbursement for financial losses incurred by the victim - Financial Assistance: Victims may be eligible for financial assistance from the state if they have suffered economic loss as a result of violent crimes - Help with issues with creditors - Information about the status of the court case via letter and phone calls - Information/Explanation about the criminal justice proceedings - Notice of court proceedings, including changes, hearing dates and any schedule change, including information as to case status - Notification of victims rights per Chapter 611A of the Minnesota Statutes - Orientation to the courtroom setting. Witnesses may view a courtroom prior to a trial. Companion for court appearances in significant cases, and also for emotional support - Private waiting area prior to court appearance - Property recovery of stolen items that are being held as evidence - Referrals to social services, counselors, and others who can assist with personal problems - Support with problems that may be happening as a result of the crime itself or of court appearances - Transportation assistance for pre-trial or court hearings, if necessary

The Senior Law Project provides legal advice or representation for people age 60 or older for issues including: - Social Security - Family law Including marriage dissolution, orders for protection, and third party custody where domestic abuse or child endangerment is alleged, or spousal maintenance is needed - Power of attorney and health care directives - Public benefits programs including denial or termination of eligibility/lack of payment by: Medicare Social Security SSI, Medical Assistance, food support, Minnesota Supplemental Aid, General Assistance, Emergency Assistance, fuel assistance, Veterans benefits - Medicare - Housing including: eviction, foreclosure, poor conditions, requests for reasonable accomodation - Consumer law including debt collection and garnishment - Nursing home problems including involuntary discharge - Citizenship including medical waivers The Senior Law Project DOES NOT handle: - Living trusts - Wills - Estate Planning - Real estate transactions Disability law efforts include: - Reducing abuse and neglect - Decreasing discrimination and increasing integration - Increasing access to appropriate services - Individual and system advocacy concerns

Provides support through education, empowerment, protection, and advocacy services. Services include: - 24-hour crisis support line - Advocates that includes a Spanish speaking advocate - Educational presentations - Legal options and advocacy - Limited emergency safe housing - Restraining Order assistance - Safety planning - Support Group: Offers a Spanish speaking support group - Systems coordination and referrals to resources - Transportation - Volunteer opportunities for those interested in providing transportation, community outreach, staffing information booths, fundraising, quarterly newsletter, and serving on the Board of Directors

Services include: - Personal safety planning - Assistance with finding safe (shelter) housing - Transportation to court, safety, and medical care - Orders for Protection and harassment restraining orders - Attendance at court appearances resulting from domestic assault in Hennepin County - Assistance with lock changes, food, shelter and phone reconnection/repair, window and door repair due to assault

Providing the following services for women who have been battered emotionally, psychologically, sexually, and/or physically by their significant partner - Support and advocacy - Assistance at the hospital following a 911 or crisis call - Individual or group support - Information on filing an Order For Protection (OFP) or Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) - Court assistance - Safety planning - Emergency safe housing - Exploring housing & financial aid options - Obtaining emergency food, clothing or household items - Prevention/early intervention education, or other help as may be needed

Assistance with Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders in Hennepin and Washington counties, and in suburban Ramsey County. Assists individuals who have experienced abuse; advocates help identify options, describe the process, help fill out the necessary paperwork, and go to court if necessary. Criminal and Civil Court Advocacy in Washington and suburban Ramsey counties. Assists victims of domestic abuse related crimes by providing support and information on rights and the criminal justice system. Advocates will attend court appearances with individuals. Legal Clinics to assist with family law, child protection law, and unmarried couples' legal issues. Allows individuals a chance to obtain legal advice from volunteer attorneys. Attorneys explain legal rights, review court documents, and provide advice on the next steps. Legal Services for Immigrant Families Limited Pro Bono legal representation may be available for individuals with complex family law issues. Self-Representation Clinics help low-income individuals represent themselves in family law cases. Volunteer attorneys will write documents, give legal advice, and help clients get ready for mediation, court conferences, and court hearings. Attorneys do not go to court or meet with the other side.

Confidential services include: - 24 hour crisis hotline - Accompaniment to court proceedings for support and updates on the progress of court proceedings - Crisis counseling - Assistance with Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO) and Order for Protection (OFP) - Assistance in understanding the criminal justice system - Victim rights notification