FORENSIC EVALUATIONS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I request a forensic evaluation for my client?

Please fill out our referral form as completely as possible. The form can be found at https://notorture.org/refer-someone/. You can email questions about the form to Anny Nguyen ([email protected]) and Allison Metcalf ([email protected]). 

What does SURVIVORS need from me?

We need a finalized declaration or a mostly completed draft of a declaration. It is important the facts regarding the trauma and the facts relating to the client are in chronological order and detail the torture which took place, and who carried it out. The evaluators use this to prepare for your client’s appointment. It is also important that you contact us if any changes have taken place to your client’s case including the filing deadline, etc. 

What are the elements evaluators need to see in a final declaration or a mostly completed declaration?
  • Who perpetrated the torture?  
  • Was the perpetrator intentionally causing severe pain or suffering? Explain  
  • When did it happen? Was this over a period of time, or just one event? 
  • Where did it happen? 
  • Were family members, partners, or members of the same group also tortured? 
  • Was the perpetrator acting under “color of law”? Explain  
  • Describe the acts of torture carried out 
How will I know my client is in the queue for scheduling?

You will receive an email/letter from our Intake Specialists that your client is eligible for our services and is enrolled at SURVIVORS. If you have enrollment questions, please email our Intake Specialists, Anny Nguyen ([email protected]) and Allison Metcalf ([email protected])

How does the coordination happen?

Our Client Services Coordinator, Mondana Hamniaz, will contact your client to schedule an in-person or video appointment. She will confirm with you the date and time of the appointment via encrypted email. She will also request from you if there are any updates to the declaration and/or filing deadlines. She can be contacted at [email protected] 

How long does it take to receive a completed affidavit?

SURVIVORS needs 45 days to coordinate a psychological evaluation and/or medical evaluation. It takes approximately 2 weeks following the appointment to receive a completed evaluation. Mondana will ask for you to review the draft, and after your approval, she will send you a final signed affidavit via secure encrypted email. 

What if this wait is too long?

SURVIVORS will do our best to accommodate all enrolled clients, however, we have a significant number of new referrals daily. Please utilize our “Attorney Waitlist” letter to support a request for an extension. 

What if the judge requests for the evaluator to testify?

SURVIVORS has been told that this type of forensic documentation accompanied by the clinicians’ CVs is sufficient. We have also been told that given our expertise, credibility and reputation, these reports have been given full weight, standing on their own, without our evaluators appearing in court. Please use the “No Testimony” letter to support this with your judge. 

Can you help my client whose case is in San Diego County, but they do not live in San Diego County?
  • Yes and no. We can help your client with video/virtual psychological evaluation, but we cannot provide a video/virtual medical evaluation to clients who are not physically in San Diego County (unless they travel to our office). We have provided a “Med Evals Not in SD County” letter to support your case, and we can possibly help contact a torture treatment center in another city depending on the location. 

  

WHO DO I TALK TO FOR HELP?

About my online referral, my client’s eligibility, and/or enrollment?

Intake Specialist: Anny Nguyen, ASW (she/her)
Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker #122471
[email protected] |(619) 278-2421(direct) 

Intake Specialist: Allison Metcalf, ASW (she/her)
Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker #116407
[email protected] | (619) 278-2410 (direct)

About my client’s forensic evaluation appointment, updates to their declaration or filling deadline, and/or their finalized affidavit?

Client Services Coordinator: Mondana Hamniaz (she/her)

[email protected] | (619) 278-2401 (direct)

About any concerns, complaints or elevated issues?

Interim Director of Client Care: Katrina Pimental, MSW (she/her)

[email protected] | (925)-550-6770

Resource Letters

Form Letter – SURVIVORS’ Evaluators Do Not Testify in Court

Additional Time Needed for Evaluation

Form Letter: SURVIVORS Does Not Conduct Medical Evaluations Outside San Diego

Forensic Evaluation FAQ

Form Letter – SURVIVORS’ Evaluators Do Not Testify in Court

Form Letter: SURVIVORS Does Not Conduct Medical Evaluations Outside San Diego

Additional Time Needed for Evaluation

Forensic Evaluation FAQ