1. 1. Asylum Request: Asylum seeker works with an attorney and opens application to seek asylum.
   2. Evaluation Need Determined: Attorney identifies a need for a forensic evaluation to document psychological impact.
   3. Attorney Contacts HILSC: Attorney submits a forensic evaluation request form to HILSC’s Forensic Evaluation Program. The request is screened by HILSC Mental Health Consultant, Thalia Werner.
   4. Clinician Outreach: HILSC coordinator contacts clinical network and extends forensic evaluation request. Available clinicians respond.
   5. Case Assigned: HILSC coordinator initiates contact between attorney and clinician. Attorney is responsible for scheduling an evaluation time with the clinician based on case deadlines and clinician availability. Attorney confirms case assignment to HILSC coordinator. If evaluation is cancelled by attorney, attorney must notify HILSC coordinator of cancellation.
   6. Evaluation Occurs: The evaluation occurs at a location convenient for the clinician: the attorney’s office, the clinician’s office, or – if the client is detained – at the detention center. The clinician records evidence gathered during evaluation and submits a written report to the attorney.
   7. Evaluation Used in Trial: Clinician’s written report is used during the asylum trial. Oral testimony is sometimes requested and is coordinated between clinician and attorney. Coordination should include trial prep.
   8. Asylum Case Outcome: The attorney reports outcome to HILSC coordinator.
   9. Program Evaluation: Attorney and clinician submit Feedback Form for quality improvement/assurance of Forensic Evaluation program (Clinician Feedback Form / Attorney Feedback Form)

1.      Who is eligible for this program?

o   Stipends are available to HILSC member legal services providers, including cases that are represented by pro-bono attorneys mentored by non-profit attorneys.

o   All evaluations must be used to support cases in removal proceedings, with priority given to clients in detention.

2.      How far in advance should I submit a request form?

o   The Evaluation Request form should be submitted at least 3-4 weeks before the evaluation is required. Due to the heavy demand for evaluations and clinician capacity, HILSC cannot guarantee securing an evaluation for every case. The probability that your case will be placed increases with advance notice.

3.      How do I request a stipend for a forensic evaluation?

o   Thanks to funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, HILSC is able to provide low bono stipends for mental health evaluations at the request of immigration legal providers who are part of the HILSC network.

o   Stipend amounts include $500 per forensic evaluation and $250 (flat fee) for court preparation and testimony

o   To request an evaluation stipend, attorneys should fill out the Forensic Evaluation Request Form. If you would like to request a stipend for a clinician you self-selected and already coordinated with, please include the clinician’s name in the request form.

o   Mental health professionals should submit invoices to HILSC’s forensic program coordinator, Thalia Werner at thalia@houstonimmigration.org.

4.      Can the attorney provide additional compensation?

o   Our legal partners are welcome to compensate the clinician for their time. Especially for cases that require extended time commitment (i.e. oral testimony and court prep). Any additional compensation should be negotiated between the attorney and the clinician.

5.      Who is responsible for scheduling the evaluation and securing an interpreter?

o   The attorney is responsible for contacting the health professional and making an appointment for the client to be evaluated. The attorney is also responsible for securing an interpreter.

6.      How can I leave a review for a clinician or attorney?

o   Our partners are encouraged to provide feedback for quality improvement and assurance. A feedback form should be submitted after every evaluation. Your feedback is kept confidential. (Clinician Feedback Form / Attorney Feedback Form)

If you are a licensed mental health provider (LCSW, LPC, PhD, PsyD) interested in supporting immigrants by providing mental health evaluations or if you are interested in learning more about our stipend program, please fill out our Join Clinical Network Form.