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Race and Poverty Bias in the Child Welfare System: Strategies for Child Welfare Practitioners

Krista Ellis
Race and socioeconomic status often impact decisions in every stage of the child welfare system from reporting, to foster care placements, to termination of parental rights decisions. A look at bias, why it matters and how to address it.

4 I's of Racism and Racial Equity

All Aces, Inc.
An overview, description, and explanation of the impact of the four levels of racism, race equity and resilience - ideological, internalized, interpersonal, and institutional.  

Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome. How Is It Different From PTSD?

Dr. Joy DeGruy
5 minute video in which Dr. Joy DeGruy explains how trauma can be passed on generation after generation.

Text Messages as Evidence: a How-To Overview

MLRI, et al
Text messaging leaves an electronic record of dialogue that can be entered as evidence in court. Like other forms of written evidence, text messages must be authenticated in order to be admitted (see this article on admissibility by Steve Good). A defendant’s name on a text message is not…

October 2019 Health Update: Open Enrollment & More

Vicky Pulos

Open Enrollment 2020 & ConnectorCare

Vicky Pulos
Open enrollment for 2020 coverage is from Nov. 1, 2019 to Jan. 23, 2020. People enrolled in ConnectorCare in 2019, should check to see if they will be enrolled in the right plan for them in 2020 or whether they need to take action to update information in their account and/or select a different…

Mass Vet Benefit Calculator

Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School
The tool helps veterans, their families and service providers determine potential eligibility for the Massachusetts Veterans’ Services Benefits Program – known as Chapter 115 – which provides monthly financial assistance to low-income veterans across Massachusetts. This benefit can…

Plain English and inclusive language: Publications Style Guide

The University of Technology Sydney
Guide provides examples of better ways to communicate.  Writing in plain English means using simpler, more direct language. 

Plain English and inclusive language: Publications Style Guide

The University of Technology Sydney
Guide provides examples of better ways to communicate.  Writing in plain English means using simpler, more direct language. 

Key Equity Terms & Concepts: A Glossary for Shared Understanding

Center for the Study of Social Policy
From the introduction: Developing a shared language for thoughtful discussion about equity is critical for all of our work. This glossary of key terms includes many words and concepts that are foundational and relevant to CSSP's work. This is a living document. Just as our work has evolved…

A New Opportunity for Seniors and People with Disabilities Enrolled in MassHealth Home & Community Based Waivers & PACE To Maintain Eligibility After an Increase in Income

MLRI
Memo on a new policy on "post-eligibility treatment of income" for people already enrolled in a HCBS who experience an increase in income. Update: October 1, 2019 MassHealth Eligibility Operations Memo, Post-Eligibility Treatment of Income (PETI) for Home- and Community-Based…

Washington Pro Bono Equity Training Guide: Race Equity & Cultural Competency Curriculum for Volunteer Lawyers

Washington Race Equity and Justice Initiative & JustLead Washington
From the introduction: The following resource is designed for programs working with pro bono attorneys and legal advocates in Washington State. Our goal is to provide a starting point for volunteers seeking to understand and practice key concepts related to race equity and anti-bias work. The…

Children's Clothing Allowance Fall 2019 Update

GBLS, MLRI
The TAFDC (welfare) clothing allowance this fall is $350 per child. The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) will deposit $350 on or close to August 30 for every child receiving TAFDC on August 30. You can apply for TAFDC in September and get the clothing allowance plus a regular…

Terms and Definitions

yw Boston
Definitions of common racial justice terms.

Caucuses as a Racial Justice Strategy: What We Have Learned

Washington Race Equity & Justice Initiative and JustLead Washington
From the introduction: The following article aims to support individuals and organizations who seek to learn about, organize, and effectively facilitate “caucuses,” or affinity groups, to support learning and development around racial justice. Each section explores common questions…

Bringing Your Whole Self to Work in Legal Services: An Intersectional Approach

Milo Primeaux, Just Roots Consulting
PowerPoint on how to evolve workplace culture through individual development.  

Watching “When They See Us”: Reflections as a White Woman in Nonprofit Leadership

Jeanne Bell, Nonprofit Quarterly

Unpacking Microaggressions

Just Roots Consulting
Activity to understand common discriminatory or racist behavior. 

Know Your Rights PSAs in Maya Mam

National Day Laborer Organizing Network & International Mayan League/USA
Dear friends and allies, In preparation for ICE raids, as a community we have developed a set of Know Your Rights PSAs in Maya Mam to address the critical language barrier faced by many Maya families in the United States. The first set of SIX AUDIO CLIPS can be found on…

Systemic Oppression and Trauma: Why Healing-Centered Two-Generation Approaches Are Crucial to Poverty Alleviation

Sabea Evans, Center for Hunger-Free Communities
From the article's overview: Systemic racism and discrimination are forms of systemic oppression found to be root causes of poverty and hunger in the United States. Systemic racism is a form of violence that places or keeps people of color in conditions of hunger and poverty through the…

Ch. 115 Massachusetts Veterans Services Benefits Budget

Veterans Legal Clinic, Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School
Attached is a budget worksheet and a quick desktop reference budget chart.

The Bias of ‘Professionalism’ Standards

Aysa Gray
Professionalism has become coded language for white favoritism in workplace practices that more often than not privilege the values of white and Western employees and leave behind people of color.

Tax Taking Articles

WGBH/the New England Center for Investigative Reporting
Investigative Reporting on tax taking issues Some Cities Are Cashing In On Homeowners' Tax Debts, And Making Foreclosure More Likely   Tax Lien Law Haunts Massachusetts Property Owners

Summary of "Family First Prevention Services Act" 2018

Public Consulting Group,INC. & The Alliance for Strong Families and Communities (The Alliance)

Public Charge and Deportation FAQ

Protecting Immigrant Families
Click Go to Website to see the FAQ on public charge and deportation.

Representing Domestic Violence Survivors in 209A Abuse Prevention Proceedings (Recorded Training)

DSVC
This three hour training covers the basics of advocating for clients in 209A Abuse Prevention Proceedings, including an overview of 209A law and procedure, and a step-by-step review of how to prepare for and conduct a 209A hearing. In addition, the training covers a presentation on the dynamics…

Targeted Universalism

Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkelely
Website with resources related to Targeted universalism including primer and explanatory videos. Targeted universalism means setting universal goals pursued by targeted processes to achieve those goals. Within a targeted universalism framework, universal goals are established for all groups…

Care and Protection Cases

Children's Law Center of Massachusetts
Fact sheet prepared by the Children's Law Center of Massachusetts.  From the introduction: "A Care and Protection (C&P) case is a court proceeding in which someone, usually the Depart- ment of Children and Families (DCF), files a peti- tion stating that a child is at risk of…

SNAP Eligibility for Workers on Strike

MLRI
There are special SNAP rules for workers on strike. Many Stop & Shop workers who are on strike (as of April 11, 2019) may be eligible for SNAP. Strikers who were income eligible before going on strike, who care for children under 6, who are 60 or older, or who meet…

House Ways and Means FY 20 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On April 10, 2019, the House Committee on Ways and Means released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2020 (FY 20), House 3800.  MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics affecting low-income residents of the Commonwealth. Download the document below.

Medicare Amounts (comparing year-to-year)

Medicare Advocacy Project
The attached charts compare information on Medicare costs for 2010/2011, 2011/2012, 2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, and 2018/2019 including deductibles, premiums, co-insurance, and amount in controversy thresholds.  

Advocacy Tips: Medicare Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing Process

Center for Medicare Advocacy
Click "Go to Website" to view these tips for an ALJ hearing.

Immigration Screening Tool for Lawyers Working with Victims of Crime

CLAVC for Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Screening tool and overview of visas available for for non-citizens. Have a client who is a non-citizen?  Want to learn if they have any options and if they should be referred to an immigration lawyer? Take a look at this screening tool and overview to understand what visas your client…

LSC: LEP Resources for Legal Services Programs

Legal Services Corporation
The Language Access Section of the Legal Services Corporation website has a number of resources on how legal services programs can ensure that LEP clients can access legal services.  Includes articles and sample policies from programs.  In December 2004, LSC itself issued guidance…

Write Clearly

CLAVC, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
A short handout for advocates who want to write more clearly.  Simple tools and tips for getting started to write for the public.

Racial Equity Outcome Toolkit: A Six-Step Process for Your Organization

LaTrenda Leonard Sherrill, Pursuant Community Consulting Service
From the introduction: Organizations continue to struggle to meet the diverse needs of their employees and the people they serve. Because of this challenge, requests for racial equity resources and toolkits are growing in number. This toolkit, adapted from the Aspen Institute’s guide…

Maps of low income, LEP speakers in Massachusetts

MLRI
ul ul li:before { content: "\2192 \0020"; } ul ul { list-style: none; } What does LEP stand for? A Limited English Proficient (LEP) speaker is an individual who speaks English "less than very well". Based on US Census definitions this includes speaking…

Eversource Arrearage Forgiveness Program

NSTAR
Eversource has a program called "New Start" to assist certain qualifying customers with past due bills. NSTAR will forgive past due balances over a period of time if the customer pays the agreed monthly budgeted bill on time. For more information, click the "go to…

2019 Upper Income Levels for MassHealth & Other Health Programs

MLRI and EOHHS
Attached are updated income tables for 2019 showing the upper income limits in MassHealth and Other Health programs. One Table is the MassHealth Desk Guide showing the annual and monthly amounts that correspond to different percentages of the federal poverty level used by MassHealth; the 5% of FPL…

Language Access Rights: Tips for Advocates of Limited English Proficient Older Adults

Denny Chan, Justice in Aging
Over five million older adults across the country are Limited English Proficient (LEP). LEP older adults do not speak English as their primary language or they have a limited ability to speak, read, write, or understand English. The number of LEP older adults is growing. Federal and…

Paternity

MLRI
Paternity Basics Establishing Paternity The process of having a man legally declared the father of a child M.G.L c. 209C Child Born Out of Wedlock / Paternity Law A court case related to a child born to parents who have never been married to each other is called a…

Statewide Referral List (Immigration providers)

MLRI
Intake criteria for immigration legal service providers in Massachusetts.

MADE: Massachusetts Defense for Eviction

GLBS
MADE is a free guided interview tool to help Massachusetts tenants defend against an eviction in court.  After using the online interview, an answer and other pleadings are generated that the tenant can then file in court. The tool also includes videos and educational links about…

MLRI Report - SNAP EBT Access on Public College Campuses

MLRI
Thousands of MA community college and four-year college students do not have the resources to eat balanced meals while attending school. Over the last 10 years, Massachusetts has implemented a number of policies to qualify more low income students for SNAP,  But - NONE of the Massachusetts…

The Workforce Development Racial Equity Readiness Assessment

Race Forward
A guide for workforce development organizations and practitioners to evaluate their programs, operations, and culture in order to identify strength areas and growth opportunities. Practitioners can use this toolkit to familiarize themselves with various practices and policies that support…

Information Regarding the 2019 Federal Government Shutdown & Impact on Benefits Programs

MLRI
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) has compiled information on the federal government shutdown and specifically what is happening to low income residents who receive or are applying for food assistance, health care, cash assistance benefits, unemployment insurance or housing. This…

Governor's FY 2020 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
The Governor’s FY 2020 Budget Proposal: Preliminary Analysis of Selected Cash and Nutrition Assistance,  Child Welfare, Health Care, Homelessness Services, Housing and Legal Services Items On January 23, 2019, Governor Baker released his budget proposal for…

LANGUAGE ACCESS TRAINING MODULES ASSIST INTERPRETERS WITH THEIR LEGAL SKILLS

Pro Bono Training Institute
PBTI has created several training courses designed to assist legal aid attorneys interact with interpreters in a legal office setting. PBTI has also created language specific training modules to assist interpreters with certain legal terms.  Click Go to Website to view the training modules.

Plain Language Guide: How to Incorporate Plain Language intoCourt Forms, Websites, and Other Materials

National Association for Court Management
A comprehensive guide on how to incorporate plain language into court forms, legal information handouts, websites, and other materials to help authors and designers create content and solutions that are easily understandable by everyone. Key elements include: shorter…

A Parent Guide to Educational Choices in MA

MA DESE
A guide to the school choices in Mass, how to investigate the options and who to contact for more information.  These choices include the inter-district school choice program, charter schools, vocational technical schools, Metco, the Massachusetts Virtual Academy, and the Massachusetts…