PDC is seeking assistance in developing best practices around vertical representation (continuous representation for the life of the case). PDC would like to determine best ways to collect data and track vertical representation across the state, learn what areas need to be improved, and educate stakeholders on the benefits of successful vertical representation practices.
January to June 2022: Hosted an initial kick-off meeting on April 26, 2022 with various practitioners from across the state to discuss system challeneges and opportunities to build consensus, and assess attitudes around vertical representation. Following the initial meeting we have had multiple one-on-one calls with defense attorneys who are interested in sharing what challenges they are facing as well as what other issues we should be mindful of while providing TA support. We also provided scholarship support to 4 attorneys from Idaho to attend the ABA-SCLAID virtual conference, April 21-22, 2022. The training focused on issues relating to managed assigned counsel programs.
July to December 2022: Challenges with Idaho Public Defense Commission are ongoing and awaiting final legislation on the state changes to public defense. In the meantime, we will assist with developing surveys and vertical representation implementation protocols once legislation is final in July 2023. Meetings are now scheduled for every two weeks.
January - June 2023: RTI and NACDL have developed surveys and interview questionnaires for Idaho's indigent defense practitioners. Surveying and interview to begin in August 2023.
July-Dec. 2023: During the reporting period, RTI has worked closely with the Idaho Public Defense Commission and NACDL to finalize study aims. RTI fielded an online survey to current public defense attorneys in the state.
Received 105 valid responses from the online survey. Additionally, RTI has been
conducting qualitative interviews with current defense attorneys to gauge knowledge and attitudes regarding vertical representation.
RTI shared preliminary results with Idaho in November and December 2023.
Jan-June 2024: During the reporting period, RTI completed qualitative interviews with defense attorneys and court administrators (n=15) as well as completed qualitative analysis of themes. RTI analyzed survey results from November 2023 data collection.
With NACDL review and edits, RTI has developed two reports (one for survey results, another for qualitative results) and shared with PDC for feedback in May 2024. RTI will work with NACDL and PDC to finalize the report in Q3 and identify dissemination strategies.
July-Dec. 2024: A draft report has been completed and was shared with the site. Due to structural changes in the state’s public defense system and shifts in leadership, the site has elected not to continue engagement on this project. The final version of the report will be shared with BJA this spring.
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