Background
The Conservatorship Assessment Training (CAT) Team is housed within the Justice in Criminal Neuropsychology (JCN) Program, founded by Dr. Diomaris Safi. It is a prime example of an academic-community partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), which operates under the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH). The CAT was developed in response to OPG’s goal of expanding a skilled clinical workforce to meet the growing demand for complex conservatorship evaluations. This program is part of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health + UCLA Public Partnership for Wellbeing.
Goal
The Conservatorship Assessment Training (CAT) Team is committed to advancing justice through expert forensic assessment and the development of a clinically skilled workforce. CAT provides high-quality, timely evaluations that safeguard the rights and dignity of vulnerable individuals. Our mission is to meet the growing and complex needs of those facing conservatorship, while improving public safety, reducing recidivism, and expanding access to compassionate, client-centered care for underserved populations.
Services Provided
The CAT team serves some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community. The program offers comprehensive evaluations and clinical support for people whose ability to make informed decisions about their personal, medical, or financial affairs is in question. These services also extend to individuals found Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST) and unlikely to be restored, as well as those who may qualify for a Murphy Conservatorship—typically individuals with serious offenses and a history of dangerous behavior.
- Training & Service Delivery
- Comprehensive Support for Vulnerable Populations
- Specialized Evaluations for High-Risk Cases
Learn More https://jcn.semel.ucla.edu/conservatorship-assessment-training-cat-program/