Legal Services Programs
Legal Advocacy, Outreach, and Referral Services to Protect the Rights of Children and Their Families (Legal Advocacy for Families and Children)
Last Updated 08/08/18
The Office of Community Services (OCS), in partnership with the Department of Human Services (DHS), operates the Legal Advocacy, Outreach, and Referral Services to Protect the Rights of Children and Their Families (Legal Advocacy for Families and Children) program.
The Legal Advocacy for Families and Children program provides legal advocacy services, such as, dispute resolution of child legal issues, legal advice, advocacy, and representation, to children and their families/caregivers that are eligible and qualify for DHS’ Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and Temporary Assistance to Other Needy Families (TAONF) programs. Also eligible are children residing with their families/caregivers who are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines level, who have or are currently experiencing any family dysfunction whole resolution will support and promote family re-unification, safety (especially for the children); and overall self-sufficiency.
The Legal Advocacy for Families and Children program is administered throughout the State of Hawaii by Legal Aid Society of Hawaii (Legal Aid).
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, Legal Aid provided more than 6,857 persons, including over 2,784 children, with legal services and closed about 1,351 legal cases.