(TRENTON, NJ) – Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV) today announced the launch of the Safe Return Legal Navigator Program. Building on the principle of meeting people where they are, the newest Safe Return/Navigator Program will enhance the existing IMPACT (Immediate Mobilization of Police Assisted Crisis Teams) service delivery model.
“The Safe Return Legal Navigator program is a crucial extension of the many services VOADV provides,” said Daniel L. Lombardo, VOADV President and CEO. “By bringing legal assistance straight to those who need it most, we are reinforcing our commitment to direct, immediate services. Safe Return Legal Navigator will expand our capacity to provide comprehensive care, ensuring that our clients are treated with dignity and respect every step of the way.”
VOADV has been working with municipal courts since 2016 and found that in addition to legal services needs, many of our clients have attendant social services needs. The Safe Return Legal Navigator Program will allow VOADV legal and paralegal support to be on site during scheduled municipal court dates in communities that have an existing IMPACT partnership without any disruption or need for physical space within the court room. Having a legal team readily available will ensure that the needs of those we serve are met with compassion while being provided with a holistic approach to care management.
“We applaud VOADV for its extraordinary work in finding innovative ways to help people in the community rebuild their lives,” said New Jersey Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti. “This mission closely aligns with New Jersey Office of the Public Defender’s mission to provide collaborative, holistic defense services that focus on addressing the needs of those we represent. As we work toward building more equitable legal systems in our state, this initiative will help enhance rehabilitation, foster healthier communities, and bring us closer to our shared vision of holistic support.”
As courts continue to increase focus on diversionary and specialized services, the Safe Return Legal Navigator Program will serve to address the underlying causes that lead individuals to require legal services. Comprehensive care management that includes legal services navigation helps ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
“One of the first things I did as an Assemblywoman was visiting Volunteers of America Delaware Valley and seeing so many of their phenomenal programs,” said Assemblywoman Andrea Katz, Legislative District 8. “I got to meet the people they are serving each day and hear their stories about how they’ve helped turn their lives around. The new Safe Return Legal Navigator program will be an opportunity to help even more people who desperately need it. I am thankful that VOADV is providing these services in South Jersey and helping the people who need it the most.”
Utilizing the Safe Return Legal Navigator mobile unit, program efforts will be focused on navigating individuals to the appropriate legal resource while also linking them with the IMPACT Program to address underlying social service needs. Safe Return/Navigator has assisted thousands of individuals since its inception in 2015 and 2017, respectively. The addition of the Safe Return Legal Navigator Program will enhance efforts throughout the State, becoming part of a program that has an over 80% success rate in linking individuals to necessary social service referral.
This sixth mobile command center will be joining a fleet of specialized social service delivery vehicles designed to deliver Legal Services Navigation to individuals throughout nine Southern New Jersey Counties.
“No individual will be turned away from the Safe Return Legal Navigator Program. Instead, they will be connected to the appropriate services they need,” said Amanda Leese, Sr. VP for Program Operations. As we launch this program, we are excited to strengthen our existing partnerships and forge new ones, ensuring that we continue reaching those who are most in need, providing them with the care and resources that will make a lasting difference.”
Referrals for Safe Return Legal Navigator will be accepted from the courts, public defenders, prosecutors, social service providers, religious organizations, and more.
Salem County Prosecutor Kristin Telsey also spoke at the launch event.
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About Volunteers of America Delaware Valley
Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV), is a 501(c) 3 non-profit social service agency that has been providing essential services to vulnerable individuals and communities since 1896. Headquartered in the City of Camden, New Jersey, VOADV is characterized by its diversity of programming and assistance services and supported by a team of more than 400 qualified, mission-driven professionals that work tirelessly on behalf of their clients.