This document outlines the civil legal aid reform initiatives that occurred in the United States in 2015 and projects the movement’s course in 2016.
Researchers and Academics
The Legal Response to the Employment Needs of Domestic Violence Victims
Runge writes that domestic violence victims present a myriad of legal needs, some of which include needing accommodations at a place of employment, like missing work to attend court or counseling or missing work due to injuries. They may exceed annual leave and be under threat of losing their jobs. Legal aid can help secure accommodations and protect them at the workplace.
Legal Representation in the Juvenile Dependency System: Travis County, Texas’ Parent Representation Pilot Project
This study examines outcomes related to a parent representation pilot program in Travis County, Texas. Researchers collected data from 172 parents involved in the juvenile dependency system. Their independent variable was attorney representation and the dependent variables were (1) return to the parent or dismissal of the juvenile dependency petition, (2) permanent management conservatorship, (3) relative or guardianship care, and (4) aging out of the system. There were 52 pilot cases and 61 control cases.
Indefinite Punishment and the Criminal Record: Stigma Reports Among Expungement-Seekers in Illinois
Ipsa-Landa and Loeffler find that criminal records stifle educational, employment, and housing opportunity. They interviewed individuals who are seeking to have their records expunged. They find that these individuals had tried to persuade their landlords and potential employers in the past to overlook their criminal record when applying for housing or a job, but they were often unsuccessful.
Identity Theft: A Low–Income Issue
In this article, Dranoff identifies how identity theft is particularly harmful for low-income individuals. Because identify theft often brings financial loss, those without a financial cushion are often impacted more negatively.
Doctors and Lawyers Collaborating to HeLP Children: Outcomes from a Successful Partnership between Professions
Researchers present a case study of one medical-legal partnership at three pediatric primary care centers. They find that referrals were often for housing and income/health benefits. Of the cases referred to the legal service side of the MLP, 89 percent of them had positive outcomes.
Debts, Defaults and Details: Exploring the Impact of Debt Collection Litigation on Consumers and Courts
This study investigates the protections in place for consumers when confronted with debt buyers. Spector found that when customers made even minimal effort to protect themselves, it helped considerably. Having an attorney increases the likelihood of dismissal, but less than 10 percent of defendants retained counsel.
High-Quality Legal Representation for Parents in Child Welfare Cases Results in Improved Outcomes for Families and Potential Cost Savings
This article describes three parent-representation programs: New York City’s Center for Family Representation; Detroit’s Center for Family Advocacy; and Washington State’s Office of Public Defense Parent Representation Program. The article also provides recommendations for evaluating and expanding programs like these.
Final Report of the Impact of Legal Representation on Child Custody Decisions Among Families with a History of Intimate Partner Violence Study
This study tested whether legal representation of DV victim in child custody decisions leads to greater protections and visitation decisions when compared to those who are not represented. When individuals had legal representation, in comparison to those who did not have legal representation but who qualified for legal aid, the DV victim was 85 percent more likely to have denied visitation to the abusing parent and 77 percent more likely to have restrictions placed on the abusing parent’s visitation (if granted at all).
Expungement of Criminal Convictions: An Empirical Study
Researchers at the University of Michigan find that record clearing interventions improves wages and employment trajectories. They find that only 6.5 percent of those eligible for an expungement seek out an expungement. They also find that those who have obtained expungements have significantly lower crime rates than the general population.
Legal Aid Research 