close
Seeking reliable legal tools or informational resources may seem overwhelming. However, several public databases and other lesser-known legal services are available. Families looking for free or low-cost resources have direct access to several public databases and lesser-known legal services that support legal advocacy.
Preventative Legal Advocacy Programs
Lower-income families are sometimes unable to sufficiently provide for their children. Food, childcare, clothes, school supplies, or housing may be inadequate for these families, which means that the children may be neglected on the basis of being hungry, poorly dressed, or without the supplies they need to grow. When this is the case, these children are at risk of being taken from their parents and placed into the child protection system.
The purpose of preventative legal advocacy is to assist the legal issues of lower-income families and address these needs so that any referrals or reports to child protective services are prevented.
Some of these needs include finding adequate housing, food, and income. This resource may also advocate for those who have been wrongfully denied public benefits or government assistance, finding support for those with educational needs, and seeking protection for those who are victims of domestic violence.
For many families, preventative legal advocacy bridges the gap for those in need of additional legal support that most legal agencies cannot provide. The serious issues that these families face, such as intimate partner violence, unsafe housing, or inadequate food and supplies, can result in health issues, cause disruptions in education, and overall threaten the safety of the family.
The Youth Law Center
It is the mission of the Youth Law Center to ensure that every young person is treated with respect and dignity, especially when going through the juvenile justice system. It is their mission to prevent minors from incarceration or from entering juvenile detention. Rather than punish a minor, they desire to educate parents and children to establish stability and safety in the home while offering alternatives to minors being detained or serving time in prison.
Legal Aid
One wonderful legal resource for those trying to overturn wrongful convictions is legal aid. For those who meet the income requirements, this resource is available for free or at a lower cost. Senior adults and victims of domestic violence may have free access, in which they are given guidance in legal matters such as housing, financial issues, and family issues.
For example, if a person has been evicted, is undergoing a divorce, or is facing a child custody battle, legal aid services can connect them to helpful resources and public benefits like Medicaid, WIC, or SNAP.
Specialized Legal Advocacy Networks
Certain legal, social, or civil rights issues require specialized legal assistance. Those who are the most vulnerable, such as those with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, or those who have immigrated to the United States, may need legal guidance from specialized legal advocates. Below are several advocacy networks.
American Civil Liberties Union
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) began several years after World War I in an effort to take a stand against civil injustices and has since been ensuring that the people’s civil rights are defended and protected. This union strives to fight against government abuse while also protecting certain rights, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to due process, the right to privacy, and women’s rights.
Even when doing so is unpopular or looked down on, the ACLU is dedicated to defending these rights. Protecting those who have often been treated unfairly or denied rights is the priority of the ACLU. It is also committed to fighting for equality for those with disabilities, minorities, immigrants, and transgender and gay individuals.
Particularly after the events of September 11, 2001, the ACLU has worked tirelessly to fight against any policy that has impacted the freedoms of American citizens.
Special Needs Alliance
The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) serves those with special needs, planning for their future, protecting their rights, and ensuring their financial needs are met. Services provided through this alliance include drafting trusts and wills, estate planning, determining Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income eligibility, financial planning, and establishing guardianship or conservatorship.
To find an attorney who specializes in this area of the law, individuals can search through the directory of attorneys.
Lamba Legal
This resource is dedicated to advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ community by making sure that they are safe from bullying at school, that they are protected from harassment in the workplace, and that they receive medical treatment without facing discrimination or violence.
They also strive for equality in employment, within the court system, for domestic partnerships and parental rights, for students seeking equal treatment in school, and for immigrants who identify as gay or transgender and wish to be treated with dignity and respect.
Online Resources and Services
A plethora of resources are easily accessible thanks to online search engines and other resources. While these resources cannot necessarily replace legal counsel provided by an attorney, post-conviction research can begin and be directed to the post-conviction assistance needed.
One online resource, LawHelp, was created to allow individuals without access to an attorney to find assistance locally, understand their rights, and make better-informed legal choices. It offers referrals to legal aid organizations throughout the country, provides easy access to court forms, tools to aid in self-advocacy, and links to free legal rights resources.
LawHelp Interactive is specifically designed to allow individuals the ability to create and complete legal documents necessary for many types of legal matters. This resource is free for those looking to complete filing documents without the help of a lawyer. It may also be a useful tool for non-profit organizations needing to create legal documents, or attorneys and advocates reviewing or editing forms for their clients.
Professional Research Can Bridge the Gap
National Legal Professional Associates (NPLA) exists to serve those searching for sentence reduction research (and consulting) or post-conviction case evaluation. Our organization provides legal resources for families and directs them to post-conviction relief lawyers. We also offer research assistance for lawyers.
If you or a loved one has been wrongfully convicted or you have been over-sentenced, seek the legal resources and support you need. Contact National Legal Professional Associates to learn more about our services.
