The Legal Advocacy for Adults with Mental Illness (LAAMI) Program assists individuals living with, or at-risk of developing, mental/behavioral health conditions to resolve legal problems through a combination of legal and social work assistance. This holistic approach engages with clients to resolve their legal problems while supporting their mental health and wellness.
The program team empowers individuals living with mental/behavioral conditions to be self-advocates and successfully navigate legal and social service systems. LAAMI also engages in positive change initiatives and systemic advocacy through community partnerships, outreach and education, and collaboration with various service providers and mental health stakeholders.
We can help with:
- Housing issues
- Family law, including simple divorces and orders of protection
- Powers of attorney and advanced health care directives
- Guardianship termination (The LAAMI program is unable to assist with establishing adult guardianships).
- Municipal tickets and warrants
- Criminal record expungement
- Name changes
We may be able to help if you:
- Are 18 years old or older, AND
- Live or stay in St. Louis City, AND
- Have a mental or behavioral health condition, or are at-risk of developing such a condition, AND
- Meet Legal Services income and asset guidelines
Please contact LAAMI with any questions about eligibility.
Contact Us At:
laami@lsem.org
Staff:
- Daniel Underwood, Managing Attorney
- Kim Carlson, Outreach Coordinator
- Christine Fuchs, Senior Staff Attorney
- Anne Milne, Senior Social Worker
In the event of a mental health crisis, please contact:
- Behavioral Health Response: 314-469-6644
- Provident Crisis Hotline: 314-647-HELP (4357)
Community Partners:
- Almost Home
- Behavioral Health Network of Greater St. Louis
- BJC Behavioral Health
- Covenant House
- Generate Health
- Independence Center
- NAMI St. Louis
- Places for People
- Safe Connections
- St. Louis Crisis Nursery
Funding for this program is provided by:
