Conservatorship Assessment Training (CAT) Program
Mission
The Conservatorship Assessment Training (CAT) is committed to advancing justice through expert forensic assessment and the development of a clinically skilled workforce. CAT provides high-quality, timely evaluations that safeguard the rights and dignity of vulnerable individuals. Our mission is to meet the growing and complex needs of those facing conservatorship, while improving public safety, reducing recidivism, and expanding access to compassionate, client-centered care for underserved populations.
About the Program
The Conservatorship Assessment Training (CAT) program is housed within the Justice in Criminal Neuropsychology (JCN) Clinic, founded by Dr. Diomaris Safi. It is a prime example of an academic-community partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), which operates under the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH). The CAT was developed in response to OPG’s goal of expanding a skilled clinical workforce to meet the growing demand for complex conservatorship evaluations. This program is part of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health + UCLA Public Partnership for Wellbeing.
The CAT serves some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community. The program offers comprehensive evaluations and clinical support for people whose ability to make informed decisions about their personal, medical, or financial affairs is in question. These services also extend to individuals found Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST) and unlikely to be restored, as well as those who may qualify for a Murphy Conservatorship—typically individuals with serious offenses and a history of dangerous behavior.
Key Features
Dual Mission: Training & Service Delivery
The CAT program uniquely blends clinical training with the direct provision of forensic and civil conservatorship evaluations. Emerging clinicians gain hands-on experience while delivering services that directly impact individuals in need.
Expert-Led, Trainee-Supported Model
All assessments are conducted by licensed forensic psychologists and neuropsychologists, in collaboration with postdoctoral fellows in training. This model ensures both high-quality care and the development of a specialized clinical workforce equipped to serve complex populations.
Comprehensive Support for Vulnerable Populations
CAT serves individuals with:
Grave disability
Severe mental illness
Neurodegenerative conditions
Substance use disorders
Specialized Evaluations for High-Risk Cases
CAT also evaluates individuals who may qualify for Murphy Conservatorships, typically involving those with a history of serious offenses and an ongoing risk to public safety.
Impact-Driven, Compassionate Care
Through timely, expert-led evaluations, the program helps connect individuals to stabilizing services and legal protections—enhancing safety, dignity, and quality of life.
