Policy Online
Criteria for vulnerable clients and law
Family - care and protection
Legal Aid NSW will determine whether the client is vulnerable having regard to:
- whether they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- whether the client is a child
- whether they have unstable housing (or are homeless)
- any mental health problems, cognitive impairment or substance abuse issues
- any history of being in out-of-home care
- any serious difficulty dealing with government agencies
- whether they are experiencing or at risk of domestic and family violence
- whether they are a victim of violence
- whether they are in custody
- whether they are living in a remote or regional area and have difficulty accessing legal services
- whether they are a refugee who arrived on an offshore humanitarian visa or holds a protection visa
- whether the client is pregnant and at risk of their child being removed and taken into care.
Legal Aid NSW will make an assessment of vulnerability of the client based on these characteristics and experiences.