The Member for Campbelltown Bryan Doyle has announced funding for the Macarthur Legal Centre at Campbelltown to provide support for families under the Baird Government’s Safe Home for Life child protection reforms.
“Over the next two years Macarthur Legal Centre will receive $57,000 to provide advice and assistance to families in crisis,” Mr Doyle said.
“Macarthur Legal Centre has served thousands of clients seeking legal advice and representation, already providing assistance to 1218 clients this financial year.
“This funding will expand those services and ensure lawyers will be able to assist parents to negotiate contracts about their parenting obligations so the children can remain at home with their family.”
Mr Doyle made the announcement during the recent visit of NSW Attorney General, Brad Hazzard to the Macarthur Legal Centre with NSW Attorney General, Brad Hazzard.
Mr Hazzard said Macarthur Legal Centre is one of 22 Community Legal Centres receiving funding and ongoing training from Legal Aid NSW to provide legal advice to vulnerable families on care and protection issues.
“Many parents or guardians may be facing a myriad of issues such as mental health, poverty and homelessness,’’ he said.
“Already in this financial year the Macarthur Legal Centre has opened over new 200 new cases and provided close to 1,000 pieces of advice to the Campbelltown community,” Mr Hazzard said.
Robert Pelletier, director of the Macarthur Legal Centre said: “A lawyer will advise parents of at-risk children who are about to enter Parent Capacity Orders or Parent Responsibility Contracts, inform them about the consequences of failing to abide by them, and help them negotiate with FACS.
“Lawyers will also help parents who seek legal advice about contact orders made after children have been removed from their care,” he said.
For information about these services contact Macarthur Legal Centre on 4628 2042.
