Services the Program Offers
LAP provides assessment, referral, follow-up, peer support, consultation, intervention, and monitoring.
Assessment - The LAP staff can assess the problem and assist the judge or lawyer in getting appropriate help. An initial assessment is generally done in one to three sessions.
Referral - If the judge or lawyer is assessed to need additional help, the LAP will refer the individual to the most appropriate resource in the community. This may include social service agencies, private therapists, physicians, hospitals, etc.
Follow-Up - After referral, the LAP staff will follow up to ensure that the judge or lawyer is satisfied with the service and that he or she is progressing toward their goal. If the problem is chemical addiction, the person will be followed for at least two years.
Peer Support - An individual contacting the LAP will, when appropriate, be connected with a recovering judge or lawyer in their part of the state who can assist them in getting involved in a support group in the community. In addition, they will be directed to the closest LAP support group meeting in their area. There are over 15 such meetings throughout North Carolina, composed of lawyers, judges, and law students, who meet to assist and support each other.
Consultation - The LAP can provide assistance to judges, law partners, friends, or family members who are concerned about a judge or lawyer. The LAP staff will help the concerned person explore the options available and make recommendations.
Intervention - If a judge or lawyer is seriously in trouble with drugs or alcohol, or has a mental disorder that demands immediate treatment, the LAP staff can intervene with the person, arrange for appropriate treatment, and encourage the person to accept the necessary help.
Monitoring - In situations where the lawyer's impairment has resulted in ethical or disciplinary violations, the LAP has a monitored reporting system to insure that the lawyer or judge enters into and maintains his or her recovery, providing the best assurance that such behaviors will not be repeated.