Recovery Legal Care Trial

Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIPs) affiliated with U.S. trauma centers often focus on individual behavior modification to reduce re-victimization. There is a lack of reproducible evidence that has demonstrated effectiveness, given the exclusion of addressing social and economic risks, often the root cause of violent injury and preventable homicide. This study tests a novel Medical-Legal Partnership that offers legal support to address social and economic risks, reduce perceived stress, and reduce firearm injury, while collaborating with the CFVP Coordinating Center for broad trauma center distribution and public health impact.

Inclusion Criteria: * Treatment for an interpersonal violent injury at the University of Chicago Trauma Center (e.g., gunshot, stab wound, assault) * Ages 14+ years * Able to provide informed consent (18 years and older) or assent (14-17 years) Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to provide informed consent due to mental status or severe mental illness * Prior receipt of legal services at UCMC within the past year * Currently imprisoned or incarcerated * Residing at a non-Illinois address * Non-English speakers