Useful links for legal support

Representation Principles for Children's Lawyers

The Law Society of NSW has produced a publication entitled the 'Representation Principles for Children's Lawyers'. This publication provides guidelines for the legal representation of children and young people.

On-line services

LawAccess NSW

LawAccess Online is a great starting point to search for information about the law and legal issues. If you are going to court, have a legal problem or have a question about the law, LawAccess NSW can:

give you legal information over the telephone
send you written information
refer you to another legal or related service
in some cases, arrange for one of their lawyers to provide you with telephone legal advice.

LawAssist

Representing Yourself is a website that can help you if you have a legal problem in NSW and are representing yourself. It explains legal procedures and forms for court and tribunal cases.

The information it provides includes:

resources on a range of court related matters
step-by-step guides to running your case
instructions for filling out court forms
checklists and frequently asked questions
information on alternatives to court
contacts for further information and advice.

Legal Information Access Centre (LIAC)

The Legal Information Access Centre (LIAC) is a specialised legal research and information centre for the public. Law librarians at the centre can help you find legal information relevant to your issue. The LIAC website provides helpful legal answers to everyday questions about the law in NSW.

LIAC also has a list of public libraries with special legal resources and staff trained to provide a legal information service. Also see Find a law library.

Telephone assistance and advice

Legal Aid Youth Hotline - 1800 10 18 10

The Legal Aid Youth Hotline is staffed by Children's Legal Service solicitors who provide legal advice to young people under the age of 18 who have committed, or are suspected, of committing an offence. When a young person is detained by police they are entitled to speak to a legal representative and the police must assist them in doing so. A young person who is under 18 years may call for advice if they think they have or might be charged with an offence.

A young person who is detained at a police station is entitled to speak to a solicitor and may call the Legal Aid Youth Hotline before they are questioned by police.

Aboriginal Legal Service Hotline - 1800 765 767

The Aboriginal Legal Service provides legal advice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been charged by police during office hours.

If an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person is detained at a police station the custody manager must notify the Aboriginal Legal Service that the person is being detained and must allow the person to speak to a solicitor if they wish to do so. The police have access to a dedicated ALS number which allows them to contact a solicitor on behalf of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Child Protection Helpline - 13 21 11

If you think a child or young person is at risk of harm, abuse or neglect, contact the 24-hour Child Protection Helpline run by Family and Community Services.

Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800

Kids Helpline is a free 24-hour counselling service for Australian children and young people aged 5-25 years.

LawAccess - 1300 888 529

LawAccess NSW is a free government telephone service that provides legal information, referrals and in some cases, advice. If you are going to court, have a legal problem or have a question about the law, LawAccess NSW can:

give you legal information over the telephone
send you written information
refer you to another legal or related service
in some cases, arrange for one of their lawyers to provide you with telephone legal advice.

Youth Law Australia - 02 9385 9588

Youth Law Australia allows you to check out your legal rights. Youth Law Australia provides free legal information, advice and representation to children and young people in Australia, particularly to disadvantaged young people under 18 years of age.

The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre - 02 9360 1847

The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre is a free legal service for homeless and disadvantaged young people aged 25 and under.

Victims Access Line and Victims Services - 1800 633 063

Victims of crime can call the Victims Access Line to get information about support services available. It is run by Victims Services of the Department.

Legal advice for Aboriginal people

Aboriginal Legal Service

Staff at the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) offer a variety of legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in NSW. Police must notify the ALS whenever an Aboriginal person is taken into custody. An ALS lawyer will give the person in custody legal advice and check his or her wellbeing.

LawAccess

Call LawAccess toll free line for legal information, referrals and in some cases, advice. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, you can ask to speak to an Aboriginal staff member about your legal problem. Telephone: 1300 888 529 .

Victims Services' Aboriginal Contact Line

Aboriginal victims of crime can call the Victims Services confidential Aboriginal Contact Line for information and support. Telephone: 1800 019 123

Legal services for Aboriginal people & Torres Strait Islanders

For more information on the range of legal advice, information and court support services directed at Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, go to Court support for Aboriginal people.