New Legal Service For Young People in Lambeth, Colchester and Camden
08 September 2009
A new innovative internet and phone service offering legal advice specifically to young people is being piloted in Lambeth, Camden and Colchester by The Children’s Society. Lawyers for Young People will be available to all young people but it is particularly aimed at ensuring the most vulnerable have a much better, easier route through to an appropriate legal advisor than is often the case now.
Certain groups of young people – those in care, the homeless, unaccompanied asylum seekers, children with communication problems and disabilities – often find it very difficult to get appropriate advice from a lawyer.
The service is initially being trialled as a pilot scheme across three areas, the London Boroughs of Lambeth and Camden, and Colchester in Essex, with a full nationwide roll out plan scheduled from April 2010 onwards.
Experts working for the service will help young people work out when, how and who will help with their problems and, if necessary, find a solicitor to advise.
Young people can fill in an enquiry form, call the service on 0800 092 0953 or email info@lfyp.org.uk. During the pilot phase the phone will be manned Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10.00am to 12.30pm and Wednesday 3pm to 5 pm.
The service builds upon an initial project set up by Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP, a commercial and family law firm. The Children's Society acquired the unit in April 2009.
The service will work with young people in the following ways:
- Identify whether there is a legal issue in need of representation
- Provide initial advice on the specific legal issue being faced
- Refer, if appropriate and possible, the young person to a lawyer from within an established network of specialist law firms
- Supply a body of evidence for output measurements facing specific key groups – leading to policy change, judicial review, test case representation etc.
Liz Fisher-Frank, Principal Solicitor, Lawyers for Young People, commented: “I believe that many young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are unable to access the legal representation that they desperately need. The pilot phase will give the unique opportunity to young people in these three areas to access high quality legal advice, whilst also helping us to establish the long-term viability of the project”.
LFYP has been supported by a number of law firms and charities at its inception stages. These include Fisher Meredith LLP, The Howard League for Penal Reform, Bindmans LLP, Scott-Moncrieff, Harbour & Sinclair, Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP and Refugee and Migrant Justice.
Notes to Editors:For more information, contact Rafi Cooper at The Children's Society’s media office on 020 7841 4422, or Rafi.cooper@childsoc.org.uk.
The Children's Society is a leading children's charity committed to making childhood better for all children in the UK. Visit www.childrenssociety.org.uk
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