Policy Refresher FAQs
What do we fill out when providing metro cards? (Hint: 4 things)
Client’s name, the number of metro cards they are giving, the reason they are providing them, and staff’s initials.
Do we still exit a client if they have a WO for over 30 days, they are not vacating it, but they continue to make check-ins?
Yes, still exit (unless they have a plan to vacate it).
Who CANNOT be a collateral contact?
Minors & complainants.
My client did not appear for intake. Do I still need to do a Case Conference Worksheet?
No, if your client did not appear for intake, you do not need to do a Case Conference Worksheet even if they were charged with a gun offense or have mandatory programming (MP).
If a re-arrest does NOT take place in Queens, do you need to respond to the re-arrest alert with an update?
No. (But, you will need to monitor the case in e-arraignment and WebCrims to draft the letter).
Why is it important to be accurate when completing the metro card log?
Our metro card logs are audited periodically, and the agency will be docked points if there are any discrepancies. If this happens, we may temporarily experience a delay in receiving metro cards.
What court part(s) do IPV cases generally get adjourned to?
AP4 or AP4-V
Should we be discussing the facts of the case with the collateral contact?
No!
For clients with gun charges or MP, are peer services voluntary?
Although a Peer Specialist will be assigned to the case, Peer Services will always be voluntary.
If a client is re-arrested and they pleaded guilty (PGSI) on a criminal offense (not a violation), do we need to draft a re-arrest letter?
Yes!
If my client is sick, are they able to do a phone check-in instead and have that count?
No. If a client is sick, they should wait until they are no longer sick and then come into the office for their face-to-face appointment. We cannot excuse an in-person appointment merely because someone reports that they are sick. If the client has documentation indicating they will be unable to attend an in-person appointment due to a medical condition or illness, or if there are other extenuating circumstances about which we should be aware, please discuss the matter with your supervisor.
What are two possible instances in which we can deviate from the securing order and allow clients to report virtually?
Medical condition & client’s distance from the office.
How old must collateral contacts be?
At least 18.
Who will be involved in the case conference?
The SCM, the CM, the Peer, and the Peer Coordinator
If a client is re-arrested and there was a dismissal OR the client pleaded guilty to a violation such as a disorderly conduct, do we need to draft a letter?
No!
Can I request a level reduction or ROR for a client who received a stayed warrant (WO-S)?
Yes, you can request a level reduction or ROR for a client with a stayed warrant.
How does the Court generally classify a case as IPV? (Hint: 3 things)
1) If the partners are married or were formerly married 2) Have a child together, or 3) Are or have been in an intimate relationship
Can a collateral be an email address if the person does not have a phone number?
In general, an email address is not sufficient for a collateral contact. We need the contact to have a phone number so we can speak to them and verify their identity.
How soon after the Peer Questionnaire’s completion should the case be conferred?
ASAP, but no later than one week after the Peer Questionnaire was completed.
Under what tab in MSD are ALL re-arrest dockets located?
Client Activities
How many times should we continue to mention re-arrests in a client’s court report?
We currently report the adjourn dates for any re-arrests that are still active. Therefore, if your client’s re-arrest has not yet been disposed, you should mention it in their court report.
What does a stayed warrant mean?
A stayed warrant (WO-S) indicates that your client was not at the court appearance but does not indicate whether they had a valid excuse for not attending. Basically, clients can get stayed warrants for one of two reasons: (1) they missed their court date and will receive a warrant at their next court date if they fail to attend; or (2) their attorney put forth a valid reason for them to miss court (such as that they were in a hospital or treatment program) and the judge accepted this.
Can a co-defendant serve as a collateral contact?
Yes, a co-defendant can serve as a collateral contact if the client does not have anyone else. However, if it’s possible to obtain a collateral contact who is not a co-defendant, we should do that.
Name 2 of the 5 sections that are on the Case Conference Worksheet.
A: Section 1: Charge & History
Section 2: Strengths & Resilience Factors
Section 3: Needs & Areas of Concern
Section 4: Recommendations & Next Steps
Section 5: Follow-up
Under what tab in MSD are re-arrest dockets that we are supervising?
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