Community network begins child law service

Not-for-profit advice body opens in Edinburgh

News, 12 May 2008

Vulnerable children and young people stand to be the first to benefit from a new charity service to make the law more accessible to those in need.

Community Law Advice Network, or cl@n, has been set up with the aim of making the law more accessible to all by providing legal advice and representation to people at a place suitable to them, at the time that they need it, irrespective of their ability to pay. Its initial focus is in relation to children and young people in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

In relation to children, research demonstrates that children and young people tend to prefer to seek and receive face-to-face advice in a familiar environment. Cl@n does not have a building as services will be delivered in community settings. It is supported by the Scottish Government who have provided start-up funding.

Alison Reid, principal solicitor of cl@n childlaw, said: "We are very aware of the difficulties of children and young people accessing legal help. We aim to satisfy this unmet legal need by removing barriers, focusing on outreach work and meeting children and young people in a place that is familiar to them, such as in cafes or in voluntary sector projects. By doing this and by linking in with other professionals working with children and young people, we aim to help them participate more effectively in decision making processes which affect them and allow their views to be heard."

For more information, see http://www.clanchildlaw.org .