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UA Blackburn Institute and city staff report warrant-clinic helped 98 residents and recalled 168 warrants
Summary
Presenters from the UA Blackburn Institute reported that a recent warrant clinic, supported by city staff and police/social workers, helped 98 residents and recalled 168 warrants; survey results showed substantial economic hardship among participants.
Representatives from the UA Blackburn Institute briefed council on a warrant clinic held the previous Saturday.
"We were able to help 98 citizens and recall 168 warrants," Woods Hobbs said, and credited city staff, the municipal court, Tuscaloosa Police Department officers and social workers for their assistance. Presenters said roughly 15 city employees participated in the clinic and that more than a dozen people registered to vote at the event.
Woods Hobbs and Destiny Crawford shared survey results collected from participants: among about 83 respondents, 43% reported living below the poverty line, 68% had more than one child in their care, 57% had lost their driver's license, and 49% said warrants had affected their ability to get a job. One participant was quoted thanking organizers: "Thank you all so much for the help. Being a single mother of four ... I just wanted to thank you all because I really didn't know how I was going to get this paid." Presenters said they plan to build on the effort and hope to hold the clinic again next year.
Council and attendees responded with applause and appreciation for the collaborative effort between the university institute, municipal court staff and city departments.
