In a move to address Utah's rising legal needs, specifically in debt collection cases, 21 individuals have completed their 10-week training and are now provisionally certified as Community Justice Advocates (CJAs), according to USU Today. Accredited by the Transforming Communities Institute (TCI) at Utah State University in partnership with various legal entities and social services, these new advocates will offer crucial guidance under the continued oversight of attorneys.
Diverse in their roles from therapists to case managers, these professionals aim to alleviate the struggles faced by individuals entangled in legal battles involving debt; such challenges are often endured without guidance or a clear map to resolution, but now these CJAs will be on hand to aid in navigating these complexities. Jaxon Didericksen, Access to Justice Program coordinator for TCI, stated, “These helping professionals are already trusted service providers, adding the CJA certification gives them another way to help their communities, and I think we will see an immediate positive impact from their efforts,” as per USU Today.
Providing invaluable support in a state where Weber and Morgan counties alone record a high number of debt collection filings at 2,227 per 100,000 residents, these advocates are a much-needed addition to the aid landscape. Program Director Jamie Crenshaw from Cottages of Hope, a partner organization, shared the significance of joining the CJA program, saying, “At Cottages of Hope, we see every day how debt-related legal issues can hold individuals and families back from achieving financial stability.” Adding, “Becoming part of the CJA program allows us to offer our clients not just financial coaching but also meaningful support in navigating the legal system — something they've often had to face alone,” as obtained by USU Today.
Tasked with helping individuals understand their legal rights, complete court forms, and prepare responses, the CJAs can't act as legal representatives, still, their assistance in courtrooms or negotiations with debt collectors is invaluable, Nathan Garcia, co-founder and supervising attorney with Nonprofit Legal Services of Utah highlighted the vital role of these advocates especially in regions lacking legal aid or attorney access.
