Program Overview

Vision

To provide people accessing Eastern Community Legal Centre with a service that effectively responds to their intertwined legal and psychosocial needs, specifically:

• People experiencing mental health issues;
• People experiencing a dependence on alcohol and/or other drugs; and
• People experiencing homelessness.

Program Design

Objectives 

The objectives of Integrated Practice Service (IPS) are to:

• Provide a holistic service that is flexible and responsive to the diverse needs of clients experiencing increased barriers to accessing the legal system;
• To attempt to achieve the best possible legal outcome for clients through integrated practice approaches, to break the cycle of their future interactions with the justice system and to improve their quality of life; and
• Demonstrate a successful integrated practice model for clients experiencing disadvantage and presenting with complex needs, share the learnings with the intention of building capacity and understanding of Integrated application within the community legal sector.

Program Evaluation

Download a copy of the HeaL Program Evaluation Report (March 2022) here.

Case Study: Tim (he/him)*

‘Tim’, an Aboriginal man in his mid-20’s was referred to ECLC by a financial counsellor because of multiple serious criminal charges and a number of fines. He was also experiencing significant mental health challenges (including generalised anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder) that had recently resulted in his hospitalisation. He was misusing a number of substances, was engaging in problematic gambling and had run out of his medication several days earlier. He had a history of childhood trauma and learning difficulties at school. Due to all of these elements, ‘Tim’ also had a history of finding it challenging to engage and remain engaged with services.

After missing several legal appointments with ECLC, ‘Tim’ was identified and assessed as a person who could benefit from the Integrated Practice Service. Through the flexible and trauma-informed approach of the Integrated Practice Service as well as the expertise and skills of the Client Advocate, the Integrated Practice Service was able to build a trusted relationship with ‘Tim’ that supported him to engage with the service.

From that time on, ‘Tim’ attended every appointment with the Integrated Practice Service Community Lawyer and Client Advocate, engaged with the services that he was referred to (including a local Aboriginal service) and was also able to secure some casual work.

The Integrated Practice Service team were able to support him through his legal needs and represent him at a number of Court hearings which resulted in him being granted a 12-month good behaviour bond without conviction. ‘Tim’ remains engaged with ECLC’s infringement clinic for ongoing support with his fines. He also remains engaged with a number of key services that are supporting him with his psychosocial needs.

‘Tim’ reports that ‘his life is back on track and he is working towards recovery’.

‘Tim’s’ legal pathway would have likely taken a very different trajectory if not for the support offered in Integrated Practice Service.

* ECLC highly values the confidentiality and privacy of its clients and yet many wish their stories to be heard. No real names or images are used in case studies & some details have been amended to protect privacy. 

For further information about IPS, contact ECLC on:

1300 32 52 00 (1300 ECLC 00)

email eclc@eclc.org.au, or

contact your nearest ECLC office