USU Receives Court Authorization, Prepares to Launch Community Justice Advocate Program

LOGAN — Utah State University’s Transforming Communities Institute will officially launch the Community Justice Advocate Program, a cutting-edge initiative in Utah that will train social workers to provide limited legal services to individuals navigating debt-related issues. The program, which received formal authorization from the Utah Supreme Court earlier this year, is now accepting applications and will begin training its first cohort on May 19.

Developed through a collaborative, community-engaged process, the CJA Program is designed to address critical gaps in legal access for Utahns facing debt collection and related challenges. The non-credit certificate program through USU includes training and experiential components:

• Ten weeks of intensive training (approximately 40 hours total), delivered through a combination of asynchronous and live online sessions.
• Ten weeks of supervised provisional service, where participants will provide legal assistance under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney.
• Ongoing monthly monitoring and annual continuing education after certification.

Trainees must have at least a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related area and work in an agency where they are providing individual-level services. There is no cost to participate, and the initial cohort will receive $1,000 for helping to evaluate the pilot program. The curriculum and requirements are detailed on the CJA Debt Collection Certificate page.

“The CJA program was co-created alongside the community, not just for it,” said Jayme Walters, TCI executive director and assistant professor in the Department of Social Work. “By working with people who have experience and knowledge about debt collections, we’ve built a model that’s not only innovative but actually addresses real needs … for Utahns facing major financial challenges. This is the kind of collaboration that drives real change.”

Following approval from the Utah Supreme Court's regulatory sandbox on March 7, the program has an initial goal of certifying 25 social workers this year, with 50 to 75 CJAs annually. Supported by funding from the Utah Bar Foundation and Marriner S. Eccles Foundation, this initiative hopes to address the gap in legal representation for debt collection cases, which constitute up to 85% of civil claims in Utah — though less than 4% of individuals have attorney representation. CJAs may assist their clients by providing legal information and advice, helping them complete forms, and identifying referrals, among other ways.

Brook Gotberg, professor of law at Brigham Young University and an expert in bankruptcy and debt litigation who serves on the CJA Community Partner panel, said the need for such a program is urgent.

“When individuals overextend themselves or face unexpected financial setbacks that interfere with their ability to repay debts, the stress and uncertainty of what comes next can be all-consuming,” Gotberg said. “Most issues involving debt collection aren't complicated enough to warrant hiring an attorney, and individuals who already cannot pay their debts are seldom in a situation to afford [one]. Social workers may be ideally situated to provide basic information and support for consumers facing debt collection.”

The CJA Program was shaped through the TCI’s extensive engagement with community partners, including collaboration with professionals from across the state who have firsthand experience in debt collection. A full list can be found on the CJA Program homepage. Those interested in joining the program or supporting its mission are encouraged to visit the website to learn more.