Dr Liz Curran’s Post

🚨 Community Legal Centres Australia's 'State of the Sector 2023-24 Report' is live 📃 Every day, Community Legal Centres like the Central Australian Women's Legal Service, work to stop legal problems from spiralling into crises. We are on the frontline of domestic and family violence response, a lifeline for remote communities, and a voice advocating for fairer laws ⚖️ 📍 In 2023-24, CLC’s travelled over a million kilometres to reach those in need, educated over 160,000 people to prevent legal issues, and worked tirelessly to meet rising demand. Yet, over 388,000 people were turned away—1,065 every day—because resources don’t meet the growing need ❌ This report is a call to action ✊ Justice should never be out of reach. Read more 🔗 clcs.org.au/sots

This was published while I was on annual leave last week: https://lnkd.in/g2A38vz9 In the article, I share evidence from my recent studies on why integrated service can help address inequality and how: 'integrated model is about lawyers getting out of their offices and not expecting clients to identify the vast array of areas where there might be legal solutions, beyond those that are commonly understood by members of the public.' I note 'A hallmark of a good democracy is the rule of law underpinned by equality before the law. What we are seeing more and more in the UK is two-tiered justice where those with resources are better off than those without, and who increasingly see the law as serving others and not for them. ' This article proffers ways to address this 'ubiquitous' problem not unique to Australia or the UK. We can all work together to ensure access to justice for those currently missing out. The data is clear. There are also links provided to assist.

I don't get excited for much, but this opportunity is nothing short of amazing. I'm humbled to be included in a small but mighty group of advocates in training to become a Housing Stability Legal Advocate (HSLA). #fairhousing It's no secret that communities across this nation are drowning in a sea of unmet legal needs. From families facing eviction to those battling racial injustices, debt collectors or domestic violence, low-income communities are bearing the brunt of this crisis. Just look at the staggering number: 93% of these life-altering legal problems go completely ignored or barely acknowledged. #legaladvocacy I do not accept this. #fierceadvocate Innovation for Justice (i4J) gets it. They understand the critical need for deep community collaboration. Together, we can transform this broken system and get real results for the people who need it most. If you are looking for the chance to stand in the gap, to be a fierce advocate, and fight for justice for those who can't fight for themselves please contact Rachel C Crisler to learn more about how you can make a difference! #socialjustice

Irish courts are changing for families with the new Family Courts Bill. Focusing on time, efficiency, sensitivity, and fees, this new bill is changing Ireland's families in courts. Check out what monumental changes are in the works in my most recent article for the Women's UN Report Network at the link below: https://lnkd.in/etrwHea4

NEW ZEALAND IS NOT A SAFE COUNTRY FOR ANY CHILD WHEN OT IS INVOLVED  Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Credit to solicitors who do speak their truth and genuinely advocate for the children they are paid and entrusted to represent. New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa This lawyer for child criticised Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children for 6 months is separation of children from their parents…  If that is a clear benchmark, how does any lawyer dust over years of isolation and separation and pretend this is due to any other reason than social worker and agency neglect and malicious intent?  https://lnkd.in/gN_gZa4M Louise Upston MP as Ministry of Social Development NZ is still heavily intertwined with OT- where is the responsibility really falling and how is OT in a position to “hand over” guardianship responsibility to a third agency they contract with? (Without an application to court and the courts approval)?  Is this not another example of contravention of court orders that would result in heavy fines or up to 3 months in prison if a parent behaved the same?  This is unjust.Ombudsman New Zealand for the longest time you have been aware “child services” has failed children, why are steps not being taken to have offenders held to account for the safety of those most vulnerable. #ponsonbychambers #standup #speakout #hostagesituation #progressivelawyer 

In South Africa, both parents are legally required to support their children according to the child's needs, such as housing, education, clothing, and medical care. This obligation considers the family's standard of living and income. •⁠ ⁠Financial Responsibility: Both parents must contribute, even if one earns less. •⁠ ⁠Duration: Maintenance is required until the child is self-supporting, adopted, or the parent passes away. •⁠ ⁠Legal Process: To claim maintenance, apply at the Magistrate’s Court with necessary documents and attend a court hearing. •⁠ ⁠Non-payment Consequences: Failing to pay can lead to legal action, including garnishment of wages or assets, fines, and possible imprisonment. Ensure your child's well-being isn't compromised by legal challenges. Contact Dean Murray Attorneys for trusted family law support. Secure their future today. Contact us Email: admin@deanmurray.co.za Call: +27 41 585 3270 #DeanMurrayAttorneys #ParentalRights #ChildCustody #LegalLoopholes #FamilyLaw #ParentalRelocation #JointCareAgreements #ChildStability #LegalProtection #ChildrensAct #FamilyCourt

When the average person thinks of a Public Defender, they may picture a lawyer in a courtroom - but our definition of this term is actually much broader. When you hear us say “Public Defender,” we’re referring to anyone who works in a Public Defender office: attorneys, paralegals, Social Workers and social service advocates, mitigators, investigators, administrative and support staff. We do this to emphasize the importance of holistic defense: a term defined by The Bronx Defenders as considering the legal and non-legal needs of an individual charged with a crime. Clients who need legal representation also often have social service needs including physical and mental healthcare, housing, immigration resources, or substance use support. The work of paralegals and administrative staff is also vital. By applying the title “Public Defender” to everyone who works on a public defense team, PDAP acknowledges that the whole office’s efforts are key to zealous representation for our clients.

https://lnkd.in/gvScnyjm I am happy to share my publication on "Exploring legal Aid Provision for Victims of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO)" in Latest Laws "This paper outlines the main obstacles to receiving legal aid, such as a lack of knowledge, the financial limitations that legal aid providers must deal with, social stigma, and cultural differences. The paper examines the complexities surrounding the determination of compensation quantum and draws attention to the repercussions of it. A way forward to all the current prevailing problems to improve the standard and accessibility of legal aid is also discussed in this article. This is a common duty that cannot be disregarded."

As a former Community Legal Centre lawyer myself, I know firsthand that this sector is crucial to access to justice.   CLCs are on the frontline for women escaping family and domestic violence. The government must move to ensure these frontline services have the funding they need, so that women and children at risk of violence are not turned away. The Greens, and in particular, Senator David Shoebridge who has been working closely with the sector on this issue, fully support Community Legal Centres Australia demands for: 1. Immediate funding injection of $35m to address the workforce crisis, as recommended by the Independent Review of the National Legal Assistance Partnership 2. Additional $135m each year to sustainably address overall community demand 3. Additional $95m each year to fully meet domestic and family violence demand

In case you missed it, Housing Solicitor Siobhan Taylor-Ward spoke to Annabel Tiffin on Politics North West about the pressures on temporary housing and lack of prevention work for eviction cases in Liverpool and Wirral.     Homeless households across the North West are facing a catch 22:     🔴 Shortage of temporary accommodation.    🔴 The temporary accommodation that does exist is already full.    🔴 People living in temporary accommodation are struggling to move into permanent homes due to a shortage of social housing and high private sector rents.  Watch the full segment below.   ---  Lawstop is the number one legal aid law firm in housing in the UK, with a team of expert legal aid lawyers in offices across the country.    #Homelessness #HousingCrisis #LegalAid