Fact Sheet on U.S. Department of Education policies and guidance affecting foreign born students.
Publisher: * NIWAP
[pdf] “Immigration and Law Enforcement Tools for Working with Immigrant Survivors of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes” (September 29, 2016) (+)
[pdf] NSA Winter Conference: “Improving Officer and Victim Safety Through Language Access at Crime Scenes” (February 7, 2016) (+)
[pdf] “Unaccompanied Minors and Immigration” Presentation Slides for NCJFCJ 80th Annual Conference (+)
[pdf] Housing for Immigrant Crime Victims: Shelter, Transitional Housing and Public and Assisted Housing Presentation Slides (+)
[pdf] Immigrant Survivor Access to Federally Funded Housing PPT Slides (February 22, 2017) (+)
Power point slides from a webinar jointly hosted by NIWAP and the National Housing Law Project discussing the legal rights of immigrant survivors to access shelter and transitional housing and the groups of immigrant survivors including VAWA self-petitioners legally eligible to access public and assisted housing, including housing vouchers.
[pdf] Amicus Brief to Board of Immigration Appeals: Developmental and Psychological Effects of Trauma on Immigrant Minors (+)
Amicus Brief to the Board of Immigration Appeals (NO. 16-06-09) developed by Crowell and Moring LLP on behalf of National Women’s Advocacy Project (“NIWAP Inc.”), the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (“LIRS”), Dr. Giselle Hass, Tahirih Justice Center (“TJC”), National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (“NCDVTMH”).
[pdf] NIWAP Newsletter – September 2014 (+)
In this issue:
– Violence Against Women Act’s Special Immigration VAWA Confidentiality Protections for Immigrant Survivors
– Types of Immigrants Eligible for VAWA Confidentiality Disclosure Limitations
– Who Can Benefit from VAWA Confidentiality Protection?
– VAWA Confidentiality Protections for Eligible Immigrants
– Examples of Violations
– Exceptions to VAWA Confidentiality
– Penalties for Violating VAWA Confidentiality
– Reporting Violations to DHS
– How to Prepare to Address VAWA Confidentiality in State Courts
[pdf] NIWAP Newsletter – Child Custody in Immigrant Families (+)
In this issue:
– Legal Rights of Immigrant Parents in State Court Custody Proceedings
– Common Misconceptions About Immigration Status and Child Custody
– Practice Tips on Addressing Immigration Status in Custody Cases
– Additional Resources on Immigration and Family Law
[pdf] Public Benefits: What is “Deeming” and What Are its Exceptions (June 13, 2015) (+)
Fact Sheet on special deeming rules that apply in cases of VAWA self-petitioners and battered qualified immigrants.
[pdf] Enhancing Safety for Immigrant Survivors Presentation (RI 2017) (+)
The presentation slides presented for Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Providence, RI (June 22, 2017).
[pdf] Enhancing Safety for Immigrant Survivors: Legal Rights to Immigration, Public Benefits and Family Law Protections (+)
Presetation slides from June 20, 2017 training in Dodge City, Kansas
[pdf] Immigration: Creating a Culture of Social Equity for Immigrant Women and Children (+)
Presentation slides for KFLA COP Session 2
[pdf] Fact Sheet: Immigrant Access to Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing (October 23, 2016) (+)
This training tool discusses the laws, regulations and policies governing immigrant victim access to shelter and transitional housing, provides links to government policies and provides step by step recommendations for advocacy and documents to take with you when advocating for access to shelter and transitional housing for immigrant victims.
[pdf] Policy Links: Shelter and Transitional Housing Immigrant Victims Feb 22, 2017 (+)
Links to the Joint HUD, HHS, and DOJ Policy on access to emergency shelter, transitional housing and other programs necessary to protect life and safety, to all of the government resources cited in the policy memo and to each of the other government documents confirming immigrant access to shelter and transitional housing.
[pdf] Safety Planning and Facilitating Access to Legal Protections for Immigrant Survivors (+)
[pdf] California Legal Assistance Project NIWAP and CALCASA – CILAP Training May 12 ,2017 (+)
Training for victim advocates and attorneys
[pdf] Protection of Immigrant Crime Victims (April 28, 2017) (+)
[pdf] Roundtable Flyer Session 6: Discussion with USCIS about U Visa Certification (+)
[pdf] Law Enforcement and Prosecution Best Practices: Immigrant Crime Victims, Language Access and the U Visa (+)
[pdf] Law Enforcement Materials for Advocacy in Action 2017 (+)
[pdf] Law Enforcement and Prosecution Best Practices: Immigrant Crime Victims, Language Access and the U Visa (Hawaii 3.17.17) (+)
[pdf] Hawaii Materials Benefits-Confidentiality Training (March 15, 2017) (+)
Materials list covering the following topics: Legal Rights Overview and Brochures; Access to Public Benefits and Services for Immigrant Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims; Child Care; Drivers’ Licenses; Education; Health Care; Shelter and Transitional Housing; Public and Assisted Housing; LIHEAP; Non-Work Social Security Numbers; Public Charge and Immigrant Victims; TANF; VAWA Confidentiality; Legal Services Representation of Immigrant Victims; and Immigrant Victim’s Immigration Options
[pdf] Building a Safety Net for Immigrant Crime Victims: Eligibility for Public Benefits, Housing, Confidentiality and More (March 15, 2017) (+)
Training for the Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center at Legal Aid of Hawaii covering public benefits access for immigrant survivors and VAWA confidentiality protections.
[pdf] The Law: Immigrants are Legally Eligible for Transitional Housing (February 22, 2017) (+)
Immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking and human trafficking have been eligible for transitional housing historically. The legal right to access transitional housing programs and emergency shelters was first established as part of the welfare and immigration reform legislation in 1996. This right was reaffirmed in 2001 and again in 2016 by federal government agencies including HUD, DOJ, and HHS. Despite this fact some transitional housing programs continue to impose application requirements not required by federal law that impede immigrant and limited English proficient victim access to transitional housing programs necessary to protect life and safety. Many of the application requirements imposed by transitional housing programs immigrant survivors can prove that they meet using alternative forms of evidence from those typically requested by programs. This brochure provides a list of the types of evidence a victim advocate or attorney working with an immigrant victim can gather to prove that immigrant victims, in addition to being legally eligible, also meet program imposed requirements. Advocates and attorneys working with immigrant victims should help them gather any credible evidence to gain admission to transitional housing programs. If you are working with an immigrant victim and have suggestions on other types of evidence that can be used to meet the criteria discussed in this brochure please share them with us so we can add them as examples to this brochure by emailing us at info@niwap.org
This brochure
[pdf] Slides Webinar Immigrant Victim Access Federally Assisted Housing (February 22, 2017) (+)
PowerPoint presentation slides for the webinar on access to public and assisted housing, shelter and transitional housing for immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, trafficking, abused and abandoned immigrant children and immigrant homeless. The document included the PowerPoint presentation and the cover list of documents distributed with the webinar.
[pdf] Pre-Natal Care for Qualified Immigrants_2.16.17.NewMexico (+)
Prenatal Care Chart New Mexico
[pdf] Pre-Natal Care for Qualified Immigrants_2.16.17.Hawaii (+)
Prenatal Care Chart Hawaii
[pdf] Post-Assault Healthcare and Crime Victim Compensation_2.16.17.NewMexico (+)
Post Assault Health Care Chart New Mexico
[pdf] Post-Assault Healthcare and Crime Victim Compensation_2.16.17.Hawaii (+)
Hawaii Post Assault Health Care Chart
[pdf] Emergency Medicaid for Non-Qualified Immigrants_2.16.17.NewMexico (+)
New Mexico Emergency Medicaid Chart
[pdf] Emergency Medicaid for Non-Qualified Immigrants_2.16.17.Hawaii (+)
Hawaii Emergency Medicaid Chart
[pdf] Coverage for Forensic Costs for Undocumented Immigrants_2.16.17.NewMexico (+)
New Mexico Forensic Exam Chart
[pdf] Coverage for Forensic Costs for Undocumented Immigrants_2.16.17.Hawaii (+)
Hawaii Chart Forensic
[pdf] VAWA Confidentiality Statutes, Legislative History and Implementing Policy (Updated June 7, 2022) (+)
This document contains the full statutory, legislative history, and history of policies issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Includes a discussion of the ICE Courthouse enforcement policy issued in January 2018 and ICE and CPB Sensitive locations policies as they affect immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, child abuse and human trafficking.
[pdf] Early Identification of Victims and VAWA Confidentiality Presentation (2.24.17) (+)
[pdf] Info Packet Webinar Immigrant Access to Housing (February 22, 2017) (+)
This information packet contains a the webinar PowerPoint, copies of relevant government documents, and training tools on immigrant crime victim access to government funded programs providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, public and assisted housing open to immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking and dating violence. The documents describe what programs are open to all immigrants without regard to immigration status and which are limited to certain categories of immigrant victims including access to public and assisted housing for VAWA self-petitioners and Human Trafficking victims with HHS certifications.
[pdf] Immigrant Access to Federally Assisted Housing Powerpoint (+)
Webinar Access to Housing for Immigrant Survivors
[pdf] Utilizing VAWA Confidentiality Protections in Family and Criminal Court Cases (February 17, 2017) (+)
Chapter of a publication on issues that arise in family court cases involving immigrant crime victims pending publication. This chapter discusses VAWA confidentiality protections and their impact in state court proceedings. While the emphasis of the article is on family court cases, the discussion is also useful in criminal court cases. This article discusses the Hawke, Demaj and Koch cases on VAWA confidentiality.
[pdf] NCJFCJ Conference Presentation: Protection for Immigrant Children: SIJS and Beyond (+)
[pdf] Pathways to Immigration Relief for Students (June 20, 2014) (+)
Brochure discussing the various forms of immigration relief that lead to lawful permanent residency that may be available for immigrant children and youth. This tool should be used by advocates, attorneys, teachers, school personnel and university staff to screen children and young people for forms of immigration relief that includes pathways to lawful permanent residency.
[pdf] Comments on Proposed Rule Updates to the Legal Service Corporation Regulation on Legal Assistance to Aliens. 45 CFR Part 1626 – 78 Fed.Reg. 51696 (Aug. 21, 2013) (+)
NIWAP Comments on proposed Legal Services Corporation Anti-Abuse Regulations
[pdf] Comments to Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Proposed Rule Updates to the Legal Service Corporation Regulation on Legal Assistance to Aliens. 45 CFR Part 1626 – 79 Fed. Reg. 6859 (Feb. 5, 2014) (+)
NIWAP’s comments on proposed anti-abuse Legal Services Corporation Regulations 2014.
[pdf] General Information Regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (+)
[pdf] Who is Eligible to Receive Legal Services Under the Anti-Abuse Laws (+)
[pdf] Slides: Healthcare: Understanding the Affordable Care Act and How it Affects Immigrant Survivors (April 16, 2015) (+)
The passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010 created both an entirely new way to obtain healthcare in the U.S. and also expanded on some of the preexisting healthcare access options. Under the ACA, many immigrant survivors applying for immigration relief become eligble for and obligated to purchase health care through the newly developed healthcare exchanges at various points in time after they have filed their immigration case. This webinar will provide information and resources on current laws governing access to healthcare, insurance and subsidies for immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and human trafficking.
[pdf] BIA Amicus Brief on Recent Research Concerning the Neurobiological, Cognitive, and Psychological Development of Children and Adolescents (July 11, 2016) (+)
This Amicus brief was submitted to the Board of Immigration Appeals and addresses an important issue presented by Amicus Invitation No. I 6-06-09, focusing on how the term “minor” should be defined and understood by the Board in child asylum cases in light of the substantial body of recent research concerning the neurobiological, cognitive, and psychological development of children and adolescents. This brief will focus on the significant and deleterious effect trauma and
maltreatment have on that development, including the impact of impaired development on the readiness of child migrants to file asylum applications.
[pdf] Amicus Curiae Brief EEOC v Koch Foods (October 22, 2015) (+)
Amicus Brief in a federal employment discrimination case brought by the EEOC and immigrant employees who were victims of sexual assault and other crimes against Koch Foods in Mississippi. The Amicus Brief discusses VAWA confidentiality its legislative history and purpose and argues why VAWA confidentiality protected case files in VAWA self-petition and U visa cases should not be discoverable in an employment civil action. The case cites cases denying discovery in state family and criminal court cases.
[pdf] Advocating for Housing PowerPoint (PDF) (+)
Advocating for Housing PowerPoint (PDF)
[pdf] Operation U Visa PowerPoint (PDF) (+)
Operation U Visa PowerPoint (PDF)
[pdf] Creative Remedies PowerPoint (PDF) (+)
Creative Remedies PowerPoint (PDF)
[pdf] Road Map to Safer Communities PowerPoint (PDF) (+)
Road Map to Safer Communities PowerPoint (PDF)
[pdf] Advanced Custody PowerPoint (PDF) (+)
Advanced Custody PowerPoint (PDF)
[pdf] Advanced Immigration PowerPoint (PDF) (+)
Advanced Immigration PowerPoint (PDF)
[pdf] Language Access for LEA Powerpoint (PDF) (+)
Language Access for LEA Powerpoint (PDF)
[pdf] National Institute on the Use and Integration of Interpreters (+)
National Institute on the Use and Integration of Interpreters
[pdf] Exploring Social Cultural and Faith Communities as Allies PowerPoint (PDF) (+)
Exploring Social Cultural and Faith Communities as Allies PowerPoint (PDF)
[pdf] Exploring Social Cultural and Faith Communities as Allies Powerpoint (+)
Exploring Social Cultural and Faith Communities as Allies Powerpoint
[pdf] Identifying Immigration Options Powerpoint (PDF) (+)
Identifying Immigration Options Powerpoint (PDF)
[pdf] Bench Card: Working With Court Interpreters (December 2016) (+)
Bench card for state court judges on best practices for working with interpreters. Based on training materials developed by the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender Based Violence.
[pdf] VAWA Confidentiality Interlineated Statutes (March 31, 2018) (+)
This document tracks the history of VAWA confidentiality statutory amendments 1996-2016 for both statutory sections controlling VAWA confidentiality. 8 USC 1367 which became law as Section 384 of IIRAIRA and Section 239(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act 8 USC 1229(e).
[pdf] How the Justice System can Respond to Intersections of Immigration Status, Gender, and Culture (Powerpoint PDF) (+)
How the Justice System can Respond to Intersections of Immigration Status, Gender, and Culture (Powerpoint PDF)
[pdf] Language Access: Compliance Requirements and Complying with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (PDF) (+)
Language Access: Compliance Requirements and Complying with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (PDF)
[pdf] Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus: When Foreign-born Victims Become Targets (Powerpoint PDF) (+)
Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus: When Foreign-born Victims Become Targets (Powerpoint PDF)
[pdf] Opening Plenary – Addressing Culture: Systematic Responses to Underserved Immigrant Populations (+)
Opening Plenary – Addressing Culture: Systematic Responses to Underserved Immigrant Populations
[pdf] Executive Summary: National Findings on University and College Responses to Foreign-born Student Victims (October 27, 2016) (+)
This document discusses the findings of a survey conducted focusing on foreign-born students who are victims of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, and sexual harassment. The students surveyed were: undocumented, DACA, F/M/J visa holders, VAWA/ U/ T visa holders, or lawful permanent residents.
[pdf] Full Report: National Findings on University and College Responses to Foreign-Born Student Victims (October 27, 2016) (+)
This document discusses the results of a survey conducted on foreign-born student-victims of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, and sexual harassment. It looks at the types of individuals and organizations that these victims approach for help and suggests ways to improve reporting. The students surveyed were either: undocumented, have DACA, have F/J/M visas, have VAWA/ U/ T visas, or are lawful permanent residents.
[pdf] Foreign Born Student Victims of Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Stalking, and Sexual Harassment: Special Needs of “M” Visa Holders (October 27, 2016) (+)
This document explains the requirements of the M visa and suggests interim measures that educational institutions may provide foreign born student victims of sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and sexual harassment.
[pdf] Foreign Born Student Victims of Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Stalking, and Sexual Harassment: Special Needs of “J” Visa Holders (October 27, 2016) (+)
This document discusses the requirements of the J visa and suggests possible interim measures educational institutions may use to assist foreign born student victims of sexual violence who carry the J visa.
[pdf] Foreign Born Student Victims of Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Stalking, and Sexual Harassment: Special Needs of “F” Visa Holders (October 27, 2016) (+)
This document discusses the specific needs of foreign born student victims of sexual assault who carry an F visa. It explains the requirements of the visa and possible interim measures educational institutions can provide to assist these students.
[pdf] Interim and Supportive Measures to Help and Protect Foreign Born Student Victims of Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Stalking and Sexual Harassment (April 2, 2018) (+)
This document suggests various interim measures for colleges, universities, high-schools, elementary schools, and other educational institutions to utilize when assisting foreign born students who have been victims of sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking. This discusses the types of interim measures that would be useful for students with varying immigration statuses, including: F, M, and J visa holders, DACA, VAWA, T and U visa, and undocumented students.
[pdf] Slides: Screening for and Responding to Sexual Violence in the Workplace (+)
Training on response to and legal rights of immigrant victims of sexual assault in the workplace.
[pdf] Public Benefits for U Visa Applicants (2015) (+)
Public benefits that U visa victims can access are very limited. This fact sheet discusses the public benefits that are available to U visa victims largely through state funded public benefits in a limited number of states.
[pdf] IMMIGRANT BATTERED MOTHERS, CUSTODY AND CHILD SUPPORT (+)
Training for BWJP on immigrant victims and custody
[pdf] October 22, 2014: The Use of the U-Visa and Language Access to Improve Law Enforcement’s Work with Immigrant Victims: Law Enforcement and Community Safety Benefits (Bloomington, MN) (+)
Training for Rural Grantees Plenary for Praxis conference.
[pdf] 2016 NOLA Agenda with Descriptions (+)
A detailed agenda for : “Addressing Culture: Systematic Responses to Underserved Immigrant Populations.” The conference was held in New Orleans, Louisiana from December 12-16, 2016.
[pdf] Immigrant Crime Victim Visas: Law Enforcement’s Tool to Strengthen Community Policing (2-18-15) (+)
Webinar in collaboration with the Battered Women’s Justice Project
[pdf] Beyond DACA: Pathways to Immigration Relief for Students (November 12, 2014) (+)
Webinar Co-led by NIWAP and the University of Michigan.
[pdf] Considerations for the Board of Immigration Appeals in Violence Against Women Act Cases (February 19, 2013) (+)
Report on the handling of Violence Against Women Act Cancellation of Removal cases by the Board of Immigration Appeals and a call for setting up a specialized panel of judges at the BIA to review all VAWA cases.
[pdf] Immigrant Crime Visas: Law Enforcement’s Tool to Strengthen Community Policing (+)
Webinar in collaboration with BWJP
[pdf] Herstory: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Public Policy Timeline Highlighting Accomplishments on Behalf of Immigrants and Women of Color (+)
“Her”story: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Public Policy Timeline Highlighting Accomplishments on Behalf of Immigrants and Women of Color
[pdf] 2016 KFLA Presentation (+)
Building a Community of Practice: Creating a Culture of Social Equity for Immigrant Women and Children
[pdf] Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Public Policy Timeline Highlighting Accomplishments on Behalf Of Immigrants and Women of Color (February 11, 2017) (+)
Provides an overview of the historical achievements that improve laws, policies, practices and access to services for battered women, sexual assault victims and particularly immigrant and women of color victims.
[pdf] Multilingual Brochures on Legal Rights of Victims of Crimes (+)
A list of multilingual brochures regarding the legal rights of victims of crime and safety in the home.
[docx] Idaho Training List of Materials (with links) (+)
Idaho Training List of Materials (with links)
[pdf] Idaho Judicial Training (September 27, 2016) (+)
Idaho SJI Presentation
[pdf] All Things U Visa – Open Forum (August 25, 2016) (+)
[pdf] State Restrictions on Immigrant Access to VOCA Compensation (October 1, 2015) (+)
This policy memo seeks additional regulations and policies from the U.S. Department of Justice that would prevent states from cutting off immigrant crime victims from Victims of Crime Act Funded Victims Compensation. The memo covers legal research and Office of Victims of Crime policies confirming that VOCA Compensation is not a federal public benefit and immigrant restrictions do not apply. It also discusses that approach the two states restricting immigrant access to victims’ compensation have taken and reports survey data on the impact that these restrictions have on crime victims in those states.
[pdf] IVAT 2016 Family Law Presentation: Promoting Safety Through Successful Family Court Outcomes When Family and Immigration Laws Intersect 8.29.16 (+)
IVAT 2016 Family Law Presentation: Promoting Safety Through Successful Family Court Outcomes When Family and Immigration Laws Intersect 8.29.16
[pdf] IVAT 2016 Family Law Presentation: Promoting Safety Through Successful Family Court Outcomes When Family and Immigration Laws Intersect 8.30.16 (+)
IVAT 2016 Family Law Presentation: Promoting Safety Through Successful Family Court Outcomes When Family and Immigration Laws Intersect 8.30.16
[pdf] Streamlining Your Agency’s U Visa Policy and Practice (+)
“Streamlining Your Agency’s U Visa Policy and Practice.” A powerpoint from the third law enforcement and u visa roundtable webinar
[pdf] Protecting Our Communities and Officer Safety (+)
An article in the National Sheriff’s Association’s Sheriff and Deputy magazine, published in the 2016 Annual Conference and Exhibition Expo. Volume 68, Issue 3.
[pdf] Best Practices That Promote Safety and Holistic Assistance for Immigrant and Refugee Survivors (+)
Best Practices That Promote Safety and Holistic Assistance for Immigrant and Refugee Survivors (DuPage County, IL)
[pdf] Hope, Help, and Healing: A Catholic Response to Domestic Violence and Abuse (+)
National Symposium on July 7th and 8th, 2016 at The Catholic University of American in Washington, D.C entitled “Hope, Help, and Healing: A Catholic Response to Domestic Violence and Abuse.” Leslye Orloff presented at the immigration workshop.
[pdf] Знай свои права (Know Your Rights, Russian) (+)
Независимо от вашего иммиграционного статуса,вы имеете право быть в безопасности в вашем,собственном доме.У вас есть право покинуть ваш дом либо выдворить из вашего дома того, кто подвергает вас и/или ваших детей физическому,эмоциональному или сексуальному насилию.Никто не имеет права причинять вам или вашим детям какой-либо вред.
[pdf] تعلمي حقوقك (Know Your Rights, Arabic) (+)
إطلعي على حقوقك في هذه الدولة
[pdf] 당신의 가정에 문제가 있습니까? (Are You Safe At Home? Korean) (+)
당당신의 가정에 문제가 있습니까? 이 나라안에서의 당신의 권리에 대해 살펴보세요. 미국에서의 여성이 가지는 권리. 여기에서 도움을 받을 수 있다!
[pdf] Lessons Learned from Law Enforcement: How Collaborations That Result in U Visa Certifications Support Safer Communities. (+)
Slides from webinar on strategies for collaborating with law enforcement.
[docx] Dynamics of DV& SA learning interests from COP participants (+)
Dynamics of DV& SA learning interests from COP participants From the Community of Practice applications, here are the things participants listed as learning topics relating to the dynamics of DV & SA for Immigrant Survivors.
[pdf] COP Presentation: A Community of Practice (+)
COP Presentation: A Community of Practice This is the presentation from the very first COP meeting. It provides a basic overview of the COP process and discussion of priorities.