Shows
Disaster Response Legal Service NSW - training packageClients living in caravan parks affected by a disaster – how we can helpAfter the flood events of 2021, there were lots of questions about housing law and in particular residents covered by the Residential Land lease communities act – more commonly known as caravan parks. Residents either experienced damage to caravans or cabins that were: rented directly from the park, orowned by residents who were paying site fees to the park.In some cases, entire parks were inundated. The most common issues relating to caravan parks include: landlords and park owners continuing to charge rent or site fees where properties were uninhabitable,Who is responsible for clean...2022-02-2811 minDisaster Response Legal Service NSW - training packageEmployment situations following a disaster – What to look out for and how to referIf there is a disaster or emergency, clients may have questions about their workplace rights. This might be because an employee’s workplace has been damaged or had to close due to fire/flood damage or restricted access to the premises. Issues may also arise where an employee needs to take time off work. Employees get different entitlements depending on their type of employment. When you see a disaster client with an employment related issue, it is important to find out: if they work full time or part time (on an ongoing basis or under...2022-02-1812 minDisaster Response Legal Service NSW - training packageDomestic Violence, Family Law and Disasters – What to look out for and how to referThe Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) is made up of lawyers, social workers and financial counsellors dedicated to assist victims of domestic and family violence. During disasters clients often experience family law issues, including domestic violence, which need to be referred. Referrals to the DVU and Family law division during disasters typically involve issues around - Parenting – especially where parenting arrangements are restricted by disasters – e.g., unable to get to change over location or there is an ADVO in place which restricts contact between parties to make alternative arrangements. ADVO’s - potential breaches where parties might be in...2022-02-1811 minDisaster Response Legal Service NSW - training packageChild support - information and how to referThe Child Support Service (CSS) is a small unit within the Family Law Division of Legal Aid NSW. There are 7 lawyers in the unit who only deal with Child Support issues. They are based in the Parramatta office and advise in clinics every day of the week. Child support problems are a mix of Family Law and Government Law. The Child Support Agency was set up by the Government to assess and collect the amounts that separated parents should pay for the support of their children. The process of assessing and collecting these amounts can be...2022-02-1810 minDisaster Response Legal Service NSW - training packageHousing – common issues, how to refer and where to get more info.Housing issues are one of the most common legal issues we see at Recovery Centres. Housing issues are problems that arise for clients who are renting their home, either through a social housing provider or a private rental. The main Issues include: Uninhabitable property Termination - If the property is wholly uninhabitable following a disaster, both a tenant or a landlord can issue a termination notice. Note the landlord cannot terminate the tenancy without an order from NCAT. Rental arrears Rent abatement – where a property is wholly or partly uninhab...2022-02-1815 minDisaster Response Legal Service NSW - training packageCoronial matters – The Coronial Inquest Unit, what they do and how to refer to themThe Coronial Inquest Unit is a state-wide specialist service of Legal Aid NSW. They provide free legal advice and assistance in coronial matters, and represent people at coronial inquests where legal aid has been granted.After a disaster, there might be a coronial process in relation to two types of matters: Death during a disaster:When someone had passed away in the course of a disaster, the death is reported to a coroner by NSW Police, there is an investigation, and the coroner makes formal findings about the death. Most deaths reported to the...2022-02-1808 minDisaster Response Legal Service NSW - training packageFines and WDOs – how the Work and Development Order team can help disaster affected clientsWork and Development Orders (WDOs) are a way to help people who can't pay their fines. People who are eligible for a WDO can clear their fines with approved activities instead of money. The Work and Development Order Service is a specialist service that: Provides free legal advice for people with unpaid fines, Assists people in financial hardship to apply for an internal review, WDO placement or payment plan, Supports people in financial hardship and exceptional circumstances to make a write off application, Provides fines advice and training to service providers interested in joining the WDO scheme, and ...2022-02-1815 minDisaster Response Legal Service NSW - training packageElder abuse – what is it, how to spot it and how to helpA change in circumstances is one of the biggest risk factors for elder abuse – a disaster represents a huge change in circumstances. There is no one right answer or solution, but there are lots of things we can do to help people who may be experiencing or are at risk of elder abuse. If you come across a client who is at risk of or experiencing elder abuse you can reach out to the Elder Abuse Service at the Gosford office for assistance and guidance. Call them today on 4323 5611. Referrals and more information Chec...2022-02-1808 min