Law for Non-Lawyers

Legal Aid ACT, Community Legal Centres, and other organisations are delivering a range of legal training sessions from July to November 2019.

Following, are details about each session that will be delivered between July to November. Each session will be held on a Wednesday morning, at the same time, and in the same location. 

Time:                     9.30am to 11.30am

Location:              Legal Aid, 2 Allsop Street, Canberra City

Cost:                      FREE. Materials and morning tea included

If you have questions about the training email: community.education@legalaidact.org.au

You are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions.

Please tell us your participation needs.

Wednesday 17 July – Family Violence Orders

This session will cover:

• The legal definition of ‘family violence’;

• How the court decides whether to make a Family Violence Order;

• The process of applying for a Family Violence Order;

• How to make referrals to the Domestic Violence and Personal Protection Order Unit at the Magistrates Court; and

• How the Family Advocacy Support Service can help your clients.

This session will be delivered by a solicitor at Legal Aid ACT.

Wednesday 7 August - Victims Support ACT

Many people in the ACT have experienced crime in one way or another. People may have experienced crime directly, have witnessed an incident or have been close to someone who has experienced a crime. Victim Support ACT is an independent statutory agency that provides a range of services to assist victims of crime. 

This session will cover:

• The work of Victims Support ACT

• How Victims Support ACT can assist your clients including counselling; 

• ACT Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme; and

• Raising a concern with the Victims of Crime Commissioner.

This session will be delivered by Victims Support ACT. 

Wednesday 28 August - Renting Privately 

Many people assume they know the basics of tenancy law and feel comfortable giving advice. However, this friendly advice is often incorrect and can have significant consequences for vulnerable tenants. 

This session will cover:

• Types of tenancies; 

• Entering a tenancy including condition reports, bonds and pets; 

• Your rights during a tenancy including repairs, access and inspections; 

• Ending a tenancy; and

• Eviction. 

This session will be delivered by the Tenants' Union ACT. 

Wednesday 25 September- NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a Commonwealth scheme to provide individualised support for eligible people with a permanent and significant disability, their family, and carers. 

This session will cover:

• Brief overview of NDIS;

• Internal and external review of NDIA decisions; and 

• How Legal Aid ACT can assist. 

This session will be delivered by a lawyer from Legal Aid ACT. 

Wednesday 16 October- Child and Youth Protection Services: Part 2

Child and Youth Protection Services (CYPS) has a statutory responsibility to support children, young people, and families requiring a care or justice response. This session continues on from the early CYPS presentation on the 8 May 2019. It will discuss in greater detail the CYPS process after receiving a Child Concern Report.

This session will cover:

• Decision-making in the Appraisal stage

• Early intervention regarding Care Plans

• Emergency Action and alternatives

• Voluntary Care Agreements

• Contact Arrangements

This session will be delivered by Child and Youth Protection Services.

Wednesday 30 October- Gambling and the Law

Australians love a punt and research shows Australians lose around $24 billion to gambling per year - more per capita than any other nation.  For many individuals the fallout of gambling harm is not only financial but can have a devastating impact on health, relationships as well as employment. 

This session will cover:

• Understanding the spectrum of gambling harm;

• Family law matters; 

• Gambling and debt; 

• Consumer and credit law; and 

• Practical suggestions to improve screening and support for clients impacted by gambling harm. 

This session will be delivered by the ACT Gambling Counselling Service (AGCSS). AGCSS is managed by Relationships Australia Canberra and Region in partnership with Care Inc. 

Wednesday 13 November- Centrelink

Problems with Centrelink can occur in a number of different areas. This session will focus on the legal implications and solutions for commonly occurring problems experienced by clients.

This session will cover:

• Overview of Social Security system – key payments and principles;

• What do if payments are cut off, reduced, cancelled or suspended;

• Accessing Disability Support Pension – A case study;

• Common causes of debts and appealing debt decisions;

• Centrelink’s review and appeal system; and

• How Canberra Community Law can help and when to refer.

This session will be delivered by a lawyer from Canberra Community Law.