Community Legal Needs Assessment: Examining the Need for Justice for Low-Income Residents of Lennox and Addington County

Legal clinic staff employing a “community action research” model met with a broad cross-section of residents and service providers to learn more about the unique legal needs and challenges facing people living on a low income in Lennox & Addington County. While legal clinics must clearly place priority on meeting the legal needs of people living on a low income which will keep food on their tables and a roof over their heads, there are other unmet legal needs documented by this study. The study calls for a comprehensive approach to meeting legal needs which will require a vision of what “access to justice” should mean for this vulnerable, low-income population. In addition to meeting individual needs for advice, assistance, and representation, a systemic advocacy approach is imperative to make the greatest difference in the least amount of time. It will be necessary to build on the evident good faith, intentions, and willingness of other service providers who share similar mandates and vision regarding the need for positive and progressive changes to improve the lives of the people they serve.

Year Published: 2001
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Uploaded on: Jun 29, 2016
Author: Michele Leering
Issues: Community Paralegals, Generalist Legal Services Tool Type: Manuals & Guides, Training Resources & Popular Education Languages: English Regions: > Global, Canada