Community Development Projects

Current

Drug Outreach Lawyer Position

Funding: Department of Human Services $54,000.00

The Drug Outreach Lawyer position aims to provide appropriate legal support and education to people who have existing or potential substance abuse problems and who are not currently accessing existing legal services. Priority is given to young people; non-English speaking clients; clients with disabilities (including Acquired Brain Injury); clients with `dual diagnosis' (ie. Drug/alcohol and psychiatric conditions) and homeless clients and those residing in rooming houses or public housing.

Volunteer Support Program

Funding: City of Yarra $41,000.00

The City of Yarra has funded the Fitzroy Legal Service to employ a Night Service Lawyer. The Lawyer harnesses the legal expertise and social capital of approximately 135 (legal and paralegal) volunteers to deliver a free night service five nights a week at FLS.

Emerging Trends grant- Drug and the Law

Funding: City of Yarra $80000(for two years)

Fitzroy Legal Service has been funded to employ a Project Worker for a period of two years to enhance the work of community groups and organizations (with a particular focus on health, housing and drug and alcohol services) working with clients with multiple problems. The position extends the harm minimization work of these groups, with particular focus on legal needs and associated problems.

Past Achievements

Activist Rights Guide

Funding: Reichstein Foundation $13,000.00
Funding: Victoria Law Foundation $10,000.00

FLS was funded to publish a 2^nd edition of the Activists Rights Handbook Our Rights for online access. The website can now operational and located at http://www.activistrights.org.au/

Services Directory for Drug and Alcohol Users

Funding: $40,000.00

FLS has received principal funding from the Department of Human Services, and a range of other sources, to publish a 2004 edition of our Services Directory for Drug & Alcohol Users. A copy of the 2004 edition of this guide is enclosed for your reference. This guide is highly reputed amongst the Community Sector as a valuable resource to workers and the general public.