Vancouver – The Province, Legal Aid BC (LABC) and Centre for Family Equity (CFE) have worked together to create changes that will increase access to fast and free legal assistance for people. These changes will resolve a longstanding constitutional challenge to the family law legal aid system by the CFE (formerly “Single Mothers’ Alliance”).
“When someone is fleeing family violence, they are often experiencing the worst trauma of their lives,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “With these changes, we are taking action to further improve services and better support people leaving dangerous situations.”
The new multidisciplinary, trauma-informed family law clinic model will offer in-person and virtual services. Eligible clients will receive the legal representation and related services necessary to meaningfully stabilize their legal situation. Funded by government and delivered by LABC, the clinic is expected to open before the end of this year. Until then, new clients who would be eligible for clinic services once in operation can access an additional 25 hours of legal aid services. LABC will draw on community engagement and the expertise of other organizations in the sector to develop and implement operations at the clinic.
Chilliwack-Kent MLA,Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity – “We know family violence too often impacts women, and far too often children are caught up in the trauma. These new supports will make a difference for many people who are rebuilding their lives.”
Centre for Family Equity is a membership-based organization of low-income parents and caregivers, the majority of whom are lone mothers, located in over 41 locations in B.C. CFE carries out community-engaged research and legal action and proposes evidence-based public policy solutions to address family poverty in B.C.
www.centreforequity.ca
