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High schoolers set to receive ‘drop-in’ legal help
Legal aid lawyers will be delivering free and confidential legal assistance to high school students across the ACT under a new paid partnership with the territory government.
Naomi Neilson
Legal aid services will make its way to ACT high schools under a new paid partnership spearheaded by the territory’s government and Legal Aid ACT. Students at each public college will access the free legal advice through a fortnightly drop-in service.
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Students in years 11 and 12 have the opportunity to book in for one-on-one meetings, which will also be made available to family members. Students can receive advice on how the court process works and information about general criminal matters, such as assault, theft and traffic matters that might relate specifically to their situations.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Yvette Berry said: “The legal system can be really overwhelming and complex – sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. These services will provide a safe and accessible place for young adults.”
Through the new program, legal liaison officers will be made available to offer advice to students and their families on family violence matters, including information on how to apply for family violence orders, protection orders and parenting orders.
The services will provide students with the initial information, support and advice. Then if it is necessary, legal liaison officers will also be able to refer the students and their families to Legal Aid ACT for further representation or ongoing assistance.
Legal Aid ACT president Karen Fryer said: “I am delighted to see partnership between ACT public school system and the Legal Aid ACT. Providing avenues for advice and assistance to young people is a priority.”
