On 3/21/17 CPCS held its 4th Clients in Crisis simulation program. The goal of the Clients in Crisis simulation is to provide CPCS staff and private counsel with a snapshot of some aspects of daily life of a client living in poverty. The program is designed to deepen participants’ understanding and appreciation of the impact that poverty has on a family as well as how it may affect a client’s case.
Over 55 staff members and 25 private attorneys took part in this year’s program. Participants included attorneys, social workers, SSAs and investigators from all practice areas, as well as staff from the Finance and IT departments. In addition, about 30 staff members filled roles (e.g. school teachers, DCF workers, mortgage collectors, police officers, etc.) necessary to conduct the simulation. Chief Counsel Anthony Benedetti welcomed everyone and emphasized that the purpose of the program is to improve client representation. Maria Sanchez, of our Human Resources Department, presented a wealth of information about poverty in Massachusetts (click here for a link to her excellent PowerPoint).
Following the simulation, small group debriefing sessions were held to discuss insights and brainstorm on how to use the knowledge gained to improve client representation.
Thank you to Shira Diner (Supervisor, CDTU) and Katharine Klubock (Supervisor, CAFL Training) for spearheading the development, organization and execution of this very well-received program and thanks to all who volunteered to help make the day such a success.