2024 Annual Report

ASSISTANCE FOR SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS The Self-Help Resource Centers in San Bernardino, Fontana, Victorville, Barstow, Needles, and Joshua Tree assist self represented litigants with services that provide procedural legal information regarding family law, guardianship, child support, small claims, and landlord-tenant matters. In 2024, Self-Help made significant strides in expanding access to legal resources, strengthening community partnerships, and improving service delivery. The year was marked by increased outreach events, staff growth, and improved efficiencies, all of which enhanced the department’s ability to support self-represented litigants. 72,973 SERVICE REQUESTS 2024 IN NUMBERS

27,409 TOTAL CASES ASSISTED 29%

Community Outreach Events Self-Help played an active role in community engagement through various events designed to connect individuals with essential legal assistance. Shelter Court events held nearly monthly, provided individuals experiencing homelessness with crucial legal support, helping them address outstanding legal matters and access services that improve their stability. Self-Help participated in the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) Fatherhood Committee Collaborations events “Donuts with Dad” and “Joy of Giving,” along with Public Defender Community Outreach Days to provide court-related guidance, legal assistance, and resources outside traditional business hours. National Association of Court Managers Podcast Participation In the episode “Courts and Self-Service: How Much Do We Tell Litigants?” Self-Help Supervising Attorney Nathan DeVries discussed the balance between self-service options and ensuring litigants receive proper legal guidance. Self-Help Managing Attorney Salvador Reynoso covered the effectiveness of self service tools in the episode “Courts and Self-Service: How Much Do They Help?”. Staff Growth and Training To enhance service capacity, Self-Help welcomed nine new staff members, bringing the team to 32 employees—a 28% increase in staff. New hires included one staff attorney, one supervising paralegal, and seven paralegals. Ongoing training remained a priority, with staff participation in sessions such as the 2024 AB1058 Conference in Los Angeles and CARE Act and X-Spouse Trainings prepared by staff attorneys. This ensured high-quality service delivery, equipped staff with specialized knowledge to assist clients with specific legal needs, and improved overall staff competency and client service.

PERCENTAGE OF ONLINE SERVICES USERS FROM OUTSIDE SB COUNTY

Supervising Attorney Nathan Devries appearing on NACM podcast

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