- Published:
- Tuesday 30 August 2016
Sixteen organisations will receive more than $3 million for projects that improve education and access to legal services under the 2016 round of Victorian Legal Services Board grants.
The grants will help fund projects that aim to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community, including people with disability, indigenous people, young people, and victims of family violence.
The funding helps organisations to provide targeted legal services at a community level across a range of areas, including youth justice, family violence and reducing recidivism.
For example, one grant will fund a partnership between Springvale Monash Legal Service and Narre Warren South P-12 College using sport to help young people play a positive role and learn about their responsibilities with regard to the justice system.
Another grant provided to Jesuit Social Services will help to reduce recidivism through improving access to education, training and employment.
Yarra Ranges Community Legal Centre will use its grant to fund a partnership with local agencies to increase the safety of mothers and babies at risk from family violence.
The Victorian Legal Services Board is an independent statutory authority, responsible for regulation of the legal profession in Victoria.
The annual funding round for law-related services and activities that benefit the community is funded through the Public Purpose Fund, administered by the board.
Quotes attributable to Attorney General Martin Pakula
“The Victorian Legal Services Board has chosen projects which target community legal education, research and reform.”
“These projects will benefit some of the most vulnerable Victorians who need legal services or simply want more information about how the system works.”
Quotes attributable to Chairperson of the Victorian Legal Services Board Fiona Bennett
“Over the last nine years the board’s Grants Program has invested more than $30 million into Victorian community justice projects.”
“The 16 organisations receiving funding through this grants round will provide invaluable support to some of the most vulnerable Victorians, including people with disabilities, indigenous communities and young people at risk of entering the justice system.”