Early Intervention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Family law problems?
The Early Intervention Unit can help you sort it out before it gets serious.
Who we are
The Early Intervention Unit (EIU) is a specialist service of Legal Aid NSW. We can help you confidentially resolve your family law issues as early as possible, without the need to go through a long court process.
We are separate from the other family lawyers at Legal Aid NSW. This means that there is no conflict of interest and we can help you even if you are in dispute with someone who is receiving help from Legal Aid NSW.
Sort out your legal problem now – act early. Phone: 1800 551 589
Who we help
We can help if you are a mum, dad, grandparent or other family member. When you talk with us, you can bring a person you trust such as:
- A counsellor or case worker
- An Aboriginal Field Officer
- Close friend or family member.
How we help
We help people to sort out family issues as early as possible before they become serious.
Sometimes you can sort things out by agreement and by acting early. Seeing an early intervention lawyer may help you better understand your problem and the choices that you have.
We can help you with:
- Problems seeing your kids.
- Arrangements to look after kids within the family.
- Child support.
- Problems with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) – (used to be called FACS or DOCS) – get legal advice as soon as possible.
What we can do
- Provide legal advice and information
- Find a family mediation service to make it easier to sort out your disagreement
- Find a lawyer to represent you in an ongoing case (if you are eligible for a grant of legal aid)
- Help you to apply for a grant of legal aid
- Put you in touch with a duty lawyer at the court.
- Refer you to support services
What we can't do
- Run your court case on an ongoing basis
- Write difficult legal documents
- Give you a solicitor’s certificate of independent legal advice
- Witness documents
If you need legal advice urgently, we may be able to give you advice over the phone. Call us on 1800 551 589.
Where to get help
Early intervention services are available in locations around NSW. To find your nearest place call 1800 551 589.
We also have Aboriginal Field Officers to help you with money worries and family law. If you need to speak to an Aboriginal Field Officer, contact our Central Sydney Office on 9219 5000 or the Aboriginal Legal Service on 1800 733 233.
Where to get more information
Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT
The Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT (ALS) gives free legal advice and provides legal representation in criminal and children’s care and protection matters. Call the ALS on 1800 733 233 or visit their website at www.alsnswact.org.au.
LawAccess NSW
Call 1300 888 529 or visit their website at www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre
Wirringa Baiya is a community legal centre for Aboriginal women, children and youth living in NSW. They provide free legal advice and representation relating to family violence.
Call: 1800 686 587
First Nations Women’s Legal Contact Line
This toll-free line is staffed by Aboriginal women and is open Mon, Tues and Thurs.
Call: 1800 639 784.
This publication is a general guide to the law. You should not rely on it as legal advice, and we recommend that you talk to a lawyer about your situation.
The information is correct at the time of printing. However it may change. For more information contact LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529.
© The Legal Aid Commission of NSW 2020
September 2020
Where to get help
Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT
The Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT (ALS) gives free legal advice and provides legal representation in criminal and children’s care and protection matters. Call the ALS on 1800 765 767 or visit their website at www.alsnswact.org.au.
LawAccess NSW
LawAccess NSW can give you free information and in some cases legal advice, about your legal problem. Or they may refer you to another service. Call 1300 888 529 or visit their website at www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre
Wirringa Baiya is a community legal centre for Aboriginal women, children and youth living in NSW. They provide free legal advice and representation relating to family violence.
Call: 1800 686 587
Indigenous Women’s Contact Line
This toll-free line is staffed by Aboriginal women and is open Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri.
Call: 1800 639 784.
This publication is intended as a general guide to the law in NSW. It should not be relied on as legal advice and it is recommended that you talk to a lawyer about your particular situation.
At the time of printing the information shown is correct but may be subject to change.
Do you find it hard to hear or speak?
Call us through the National Relay Service on 133 677 or www.relayservice.gov.au or call LawAccess NSW on 1300 889 529
Order brochures online at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au (go to Order a publication)
or email publications@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
For more information about Legal Aid NSW services:
Like us on www.facebook.com/LegalAidNSW
Follow us in www.twitter.com/LegalAidNSW
Watch us on www.youtube.com/LegalAidNSW
September 2020