The Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania has launched a groundbreaking new integrated service for people dealing with family violence, thanks to federal money that has nearly tripled its funds.
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Legal Aid and Anglicare have partnered up to deliver social support services as well as legal services from Friday onward.
Launching the new service in Launceston on Thursday, Legal Aid director Dr Graham Hill said people would now be able to access legal and social help at the same time.
“By funding this project, the Commonwealth has offered us an exciting opportunity to deliver holistic services. This will enable us to help bridge the gap between state and Commonwealth legal systems and processes.
“We will help clients with their family law matters but also in the state domestic violence courts and with child protection matters.”
Legal Aid’s Family Law Practice manager Kristen Wylie said the services would allow clients to have their non-legal issues identified and addressed alongside their legal issues.
“For the first time, out clients will receive high quality social support services delivered with legal services.”
The federal funding, which boosted Legal Aid’s funds to $948,000, was part of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children.
“We will provide both legal and non-legal support for victims of family violence at the court registries in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie,” Dr Hill said. “The Commission has appointed lawyers in for the Hobart, Launceston and Burnie courts.
“The Anglicare social workers will identify non-legal issues, such as drugs, alcohol, mental health and homelessness, and make referrals to appropriate providers.”
