Chapman University School of Law Family Violence Clinic Program

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The Chapman University School of Law Family Violence Clinic will use funds to expand the number of victims served, increase the range of legal services provided, and expand the number of students participating in the clinical education opportunities provided by the clinic. Funding will support one full-time clinical faculty member, which will allow the clinic to double both the number of students providing and victims receiving critical legal services. Specifically, the clinic will be able to serve at least an additional 15 victims each year by helping them obtain restraining orders and lawful immigration status. By adding the additional faculty member, the clinic will provide more of the legal services needed by domestic violence victims while increasing experiential learning opportunities for students.

NCA/NCF