Examples of when we can help

1.    John has been a looked after and accommodated child is now 16 and is in his first rented flat. He has asked the local authority for assistance, both practical and financial but has been told he is not eligible. 

The local authority must, in some circumstances, provide advice and assistance to young people who have left care. Unless the young person is able to access a lawyer to find out if the local authority are correct in what they are saying, there could be substantial disadvantage to the young person. 

2.   Rachel has been excluded from school.  She does not think that this was fair and understands that she can appeal the decision. 

Unless Rachel can access legal advice to assist her to work out whether or not there are grounds for appeal and also to help her with the procedure, Rachel will be disadvantaged in the process. There are only a few private legal firms who will do this type of work in Edinburgh and legal aid is not available for appearing before the appeal committee.

3.   David is aged 12 years and his parents have divorced. He is supposed to have contact with his dad once per week but he would like to see him more.  

Unless we can make it easy for David to access a solicitor to help him put forward what he would like to happen, there will clearly be inequality in relation to access to justice, potentially leading to an outcome which is not in the best interests of the child. 

4.   Angela is aged 12 and has been assaulted by her mother. She is to go to a children’s hearing next week and doesn’t know what will happen.

Unless Angela has access to legal advice to help her with the procedure she will be disadvantaged as it is likely that mother will have representation at least at the sheriff court proof. 

5.   Paul is aged 14 and has been charged by the police for breach of the peace and theft of a bottle of vodka. He has not been involved with the police or with social work before and is worried about what this will mean in relation to future employment.

      Unless Paul is able to obtain legal advice, he will not know what will happen next, what it means and if there is anything he can do to help minimise the impact.