Searching for "Community Legal Services"

Assists community members with the following legal matters:

• Criminal Law if custody is probable
• Family Law
• Child Welfare

Note: Does not help with civil law, employment law, human rights, housing, or social assistance (contact a Community Legal Worker (CLW) for a referral)

Offer confidential, non-judgmental advice and support for women, non-binary individuals, and their children experiencing gender-based violence and abuse.

Services include:

• compassionate one-on-one and group counselling
• emergency accommodation and transportation
• safety planning
• child and youth programming
• violence prevention programs and education
• second-stage housing
• transitional housing and support
• legal advice and support

Family Court Support Worker Program -- Facilitates a victim's understanding of and passage through the family court system. Support provided includes:

• information on the family court process
• assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
• debriefing with clients following family court appearances
• referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• safety planning
• court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

Women do not have to stay at the shelter to access any of the free, confidential services. The goal is to provide safety, support and empowerment to vulnerable women, Two-spirit, gender queer, trans and non-binary individuals in the community.

COVID-19 - We are listening to the science regarding COVID 19, following Public Health guidelines, opening and closing the main office as needed. As of Jan 1, 2022, all services and programs are operational, however, Head Office is closed to the public. Employees occasionally access the office for work purposes. The main phone line and emails are being monitored and staff will get back to individuals as soon as they can.

A not-for-profit charitable organization that focuses on improving the quality of life for urban Aboriginal women and their families in the Niagara Region. Wholly owned and operated by Indigenous women of the greater Bi-National Region.

• Indigenous Womens Health Worker program (New 2021): A morphing of the previous Pandemic Outreach program, Indigenous community members in need of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), supplies, or other needs can contact the agency and may be able to receive assistance. Additionally, the IWH programs offers online workshops, health related information and kits as well as diabetes related resources.
• Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Liaison (New 2021): This program/service intersects with commercial businesses, civic and institutional groups as well as other community agencies to delver educational and information sessions to employees, work groups, students and front line workers in all sectors.
• Indigenous Infant/Family Advocate Program: This program is a partnership between FACS Niagara and Niagara Chapter - Native Women Inc, funded through the Ministry of Child and Youth Services. It provides an Aboriginal Staff who works with children and families in contact with FACS Niagara. The Staff also provides education and cultural teachings to FACS Niagara Staff and works to develop and increase the number of Aboriginal Foster Homes in the Region so Aboriginal children in crisis can be placed with an Aboriginal family wherever possible.
• Original Pathways - Aboriginal Approaches to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program: This program works to assist Aboriginal children and families through providing an alternative to the court system. The goal is to keep Aboriginal children and families out of court by resolving issues within a culturally appropriate way. For more information call and ask for the Coordinator.
• Youth in Transition: A program specific to youth who are leaving foster care and ready to move to adult hood. Aboriginal youth (16-24) who are or were a crown ward or in customary care are eligible for this Ministry of Child and Youth Services funded program. A worker can assist with a "rights of passage" plan for youth including building on community, aboriginal culture and education, employment opportunities, life skills, housing opportunities, building physical and mental health and helping to establish long-term connections and relationships.
• Breaking Free from Family Violence Program: Consists of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous community-led and prevention-focused supports to reduce violence in families, reduce the need to bring Indigenous children and youth into the child welfare and youth justice systems and improve the overall health and well-being of communities.

Other Services include: cultural activities, a reference and resource library, Annual Scholarships for Post Secondary students, Native Woman of the Year Recognition Award, advocacy on regional and institutional steering and planning committees, for college and university students as well as community members on a case by case basis.

The organization is involved and committed to providing information that will provide an understanding and awareness of Aboriginal culture.

Organization that works towards the elimination of oppression experienced by women

• advocates action through cooperation between networks
• adopts action based on a feminist analysis of the social and community situation
• promotes the development of resources for French-speaking women in Ontario
• develops cooperation and communication between the various networks
• offers legal services for Francophone women dealing with violence
• offers online and in-person training for the general public and interveners
• runs awareness campaigns on violence against women

Family Court Support Worker Program

Facilitates a victim's understanding of and passage through the family court system.Support provided includes:

• information on the family court process
• assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid,
• debriefing with clients following family court appearances
• referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• safety planning
• court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

Community Meditation Ottawa
Services include:

• mediation
• coaching
• facilitation for organizations, communities, and individuals

Conflict Resolution Training and Third-Party Neutral Program: 4 five-day modules:

• community-based conflict resolution
• third-party neutral role's of conciliation, mediation, and facilitation of groups in conflict
• designing conflict interventions through teaching, role-plays, conflict theories, and conflict scenarios
• participants graduate from the program with a 160-hour program certificate

Visit website for more information on other training opportunities.

Free legal advice for low-income people

• approximately 30 minutes per visit
• civil cases only, no family or criminal

Services provided for Superior Court and Small Claims Court cases:

• explanation of the claim process (how to start a claim, how to defend a claim, considerations a person should think about before starting a claim, enforcing a judgement, etc.)
• assisting clients in interpreting court rules
• identifying the court forms a person may need
• guiding clients in completing court forms
• providing tip sheets
• identifying strengths and weaknesses of cases
• offering the use of computers and software to help create court forms
• referrals to other legal services

The Farm Debt Mediation Service offers

• free financial counselling and mediation services to farmers who are having difficulties meeting their financial obligations
• voluntary, private and confidential service that brings producers and their creditor(s) together with a mediator in a neutral forum to reach a mutually acceptable solution

Information on matters related to divorce, separation, child custody, child and property

• confidential question and answer page
• lawyer locator
• free first consultation with a lawyer

Professional organisation for family and elder mediators

• education
• professional development in the field
• assists public to locate a local mediator

Family mediation: help with future plans

• parenting arrangements
• support and maintenance for children or spouses
• division of family assets and liabilities

Elder and intergenerational mediation: dispute resolution via tools for communication, understanding

Family business mediation: business agreement and arrangement negotiations:

• valuation
• establishment
• reorganization
• succession
• dissolution
• sale

• Organizational Development, Management and Human Resource Services
• For the Non-profit and Government Sectors
• Uniquely experienced consulting group to the non profit, health, human services and business sector with core strengths in Change Management, Leadership, and Human Resources
• Work with non-profit organizations to analyze the organizational and human resource dimensions of their business and provide pragmatic, customized solutions

Organizational Development and Change Management

• Strategic Planning and Integration Management
• Needs Assessment
• Evaluation
• Proposal Development
• Project Development and Management
• Information Systems and Technology Consulting
• Team Building and Skill Training

Mediation and Conflict Resolution

• Investigations
• Mediation and Conflict Management
• Needs Assessment, Evaluation and Restructuring

Operations and Human Resource Management

• Employee Assistance Programs
• Human Resource Legislation and Policy Development
• Health and Safety
• Performance Management Programs
• Compensation and Benefits
• Human Rights
• Preparing for Labour Negotiations/Unions

Programs include:

Residential School Information Line, 1-866-879-4913

• basic information about IAP, ADR and CEP programs
• Mon-Sun 8 am-11 pm
• will mail out application kits
• confirms receipt of IAP applications

Common Experience Payment (CEP) Call Centre, 1-866-640-9992

• general information and inquiries regarding status of application
• Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm
• will answer specific inquiries about the status of an application for reconsideration, an application for National Administration Committee appeal, an application for a court appeal

Independent Assessment Process (IAP) Info Line, 1-877-635-2648

• provides claimants and counsel with status updates in regards to specific claims
• Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm
• responds to a broad range of questions related to the IAP

Adjudicative tribunal

• hears appeals from parents regarding special education of students with exceptionalities
• receives appeals from all Public and Catholic school boards in Ontario
• last step in dispute resolution process
• under auspices of Social Justice Tribunals Ontario

Promotes alternative dispute resolution

• develops standards for mediation and arbitration
• seminars and conferences
• searchable database of mediators and arbitrators
• affiliate of ADR Institute of Canada

COVID19 -- full-time in-person services have resumed. Call 416-533-8545 or email [email protected] to connect; appointment only - no drop-in services


Deals primarily with employment rights, human rights, immigration, social assistance, refugees, tenant issues, Employment Insurance (EI) and law reform

Funded by Legal Aid Ontario

COVID19 -- full-time in-person services have resumed, Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm; call 416-533-8545 or email [email protected]; appointments only - no walk-ins


Settlement Program

• information, counselling and referral
• assistance with completing government and social services application forms
• ESL classes
• commissioner of oaths
• interpretation and translation services
• monthly settlement workshops

Violence Against Women (VAW) Program

• individual crisis counselling and group counselling by telephone or in person
• support groups for isolated women and their children
• information and orientation about legal rights
• assistance leaving the abusive home, finding transitional housing and applying for social assistance

Volunteer Program

Volunteer opportunities with ESL classes, food security assistance and interpretation and translation assistance

Seniors Program

• art-based workshops
• informational workshops

Legal Clinic, see separate record

Sexual Health Program, see separate record

COVID-19 -- offering remote and in-person services, check service updates on www.legalaid.on.ca/news/covid-19-update-on-our-client-services

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Free legal information, advice and other services

Legal Aid Certificates

• reimburses participating lawyers for services rendered on behalf of client
• client may have to agree to repay all or part of legal fees
• financial assessment required
• only granted for serious legal matters such as criminal, family or immigration and refugee law

Duty Counsel

• provides legal representation for low-income people appearing in court without a lawyer
• advice and information
• criminal, family and tenant cases
• mental health duty counsel for persons living in psychiatric facilities

Community Legal Clinics

• nonprofit independent and specialty legal centres funded by Legal Aid Ontario -- see separate entries
• legal assistance in areas such as housing law, social assistance and other income support programs
• client may be asked to contribute towards disbursements

Family Law Service Centres (FLSC)

• range of legal resources and support for family matters -- see separate entries
• located in Toronto Central, Toronto North, Newmarket, Brampton, Chatham and Sarnia
• Family Law Information Centres (FLICs) -- advice lawyer, located at certain courts

Refugee Law Office -- legal assistance to refugee claimants and immigrants eligible for legal aid, see separate entry

Community legal clinic

• deals primarily with immigration, tenant issues, social assistance, employment rights, human rights, poverty law
• most refugee cases referred to Legal Aid
• may provide representation
• summary advice in domestic violence and other family law cases
• community education
• speakers
• law reform
• community advocacy
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

Personal Rights: legal representation of children under the Courts of Justice Act in custody/access matters under the Divorce Act and Children's Law Reform Act

• legal representation of children and minor parents under the Child and Family Services Act, in child protection proceedings and Consent to Adoption matters
• preparation of reports to the court under the Courts of Justice Act in custody/access applications

Property Rights: represents the child's interest in estate or trust matters

• provides civil legal representation for the child when there is no one willing and able to do so

Community Legal Clinic 416-408-4041, fax 416-408-1568

• deals primarily with landlord and tenant issues, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Plan (ODSP), Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD), human rights, police complaints, criminal injuries compensation, poverty law, Indian Act
• no criminal or family law
• may provide representation
• referrals to lawyers in private practice where appropriate
• law reform and public legal education activities
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

Aboriginal Court Worker Program -- support to those appearing in court

• assistance in finding lawyers and contacting family members
• referrals
• available at all criminal courts in Toronto

Community Council Program

• criminal diversion program for young and adult Aboriginal offenders charged with a wide variety of offences
• substitutes court appearance with an appearance before community members, with a disposition focusing on culture, tradition and healing

Gladue (Aboriginal Persons) Courts -- support available at Old City Hall, College Park and 1000 Finch Ave W courts

Gladue Writer/Caseworker -- call for information

Giiwedin Anang Council

• Aboriginal alternative dispute resolution for families involved in the child welfare system
• family counselling delivered by community Elders and members focus on traditional teachings and Talking Circles

Community legal clinic

• advice, representation, referrals, advocacy
• areas of law include privacy, social assistance, immigration, housing/tenant, pensions, Employment Insurance (EI), private insurance benefits, health, criminal, prison (HIV-related), human rights, substitute decision making and powers of attorney
• community legal education speakers and publications
• law reform and test case litigation
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario, AIDS Bureau (Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care), foundations and donors
• also known as HALCO

Services by phone, no in-person meetings without an appointment and limited public education activities

COVID19 -- closed to all in-person services until further notice, go to Legal Advice Hotline -- 1-855-255-7256

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Free legal services for persons being sued or who are suing in civil courts or require help with problems in employment law, consumer law, corporate law (non-profits, newcomer entrepreneurs and small businesses) housing issues, and Powers of Attorney

• no family or criminal law, immigration or estate administration issues
• clinic located at Small Claims Court, 47 Sheppard Ave

Education -- legal services for children with education-related problems such as accommodating disabilities or exceptionalities, bullying, or discipline matters such as suspension or expulsion

Start-ups, non-profits and charities -- business law services, including incorporation, charitable status, corporate structure, intellectual property and contracts

Legal Advice Hotline, 1-855-255-7256, Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm -- up to 30 minutes free legal advice and help drafting legal documents

Workplace Sexual Harassment Hotline, 1-855-776-1855, Monday-Friday 1 pm-6 pm -- free legal advice and assistance for victims of workplace sexual harassment in Ontario

Advice and representation in areas of social assistance, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), sponsorships, immigration law

• legal information and education
• referral of legal cases
• advocacy
• seminars, workshops
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

Forced Marriage -- website with information and resources on forced marriages * information for individuals and service providers

Community legal clinic

• legal representation in many areas of law including education, criminal matters, child welfare, human rights, financial assistance or support and leaving home
• legal information and assistance to youth, professionals and community groups
• also to parents in limited circumstances
• community development and outreach
• advocacy
• seminars
• accepts collect calls
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

Street Youth Legal Services (SYLS) - legal advice and outreach to street-involved youth at shelters and youth services

Childhood Arrivals Support and Advocacy (CASA) - outreach, legal representation and support for young people up to 25, who arrived in Canada and live in Ontario without immigration status

Your Way Forward - expanded and enhanced services to survivors of gender-based violence

Hears appeals and decides issues involving:

• land drainage
• marketing boards
• crop insurance
• licensing issues
• farm property classification
• treatment of agricultural employees
• disputes under various statutes

**Also accredits general farm organizations and considers requests for religious exemptions from registering farm businesses

The Farm Practices Conflict Resolution Process was established in 2004 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board (NFPPB). Its purpose is to:

• help resolve disputes about farm practices (nuisance complaints about odour, noise, dust, flies, light, smoke or vibration)
• reduce the need for Board hearings
• also used for conflicts between farm practices and municipal by-laws