Referring someone for legal aid.
For social workers, local authorities, foster carers, charities and detention visitors.
Before you start
Referrals get lost between services, and the young person or client waiting pays for the delay.
One form, one team.
- Use the form. Choose "Local authority or professional" at the first question. It takes about ten minutes and you can save it and come back.
- Tell us what you know. The person's situation, any Home Office letters or dates, their language, and any risks we should know about. Upload what you have; gaps are fine.
- We check legal aid. We confirm whether the case is covered and whether the person qualifies, and we tell you.
- We stay in touch. With the client's consent, we keep you updated at the points that matter to your plan: the interview date, the decision and any appeal deadline.
Working with children's services.
We work with children's services teams on unaccompanied children's cases from the first statement to the decision, and on applications after a grant, including citizenship. We prepare children for interview in a way that suits their age, and we work with you on age assessment disputes and the move to leaving care. Caseworkers on children's cases hold enhanced DBS checks.
Refusals, deadlines and detention.
If someone you support has a refusal, a deadline or is detained, refer them with the date on the letter. We will tell you quickly whether we can take the case.
We never charge someone on legal aid, and we never move a legal aid case into private work. If a case is not covered, we say so and explain the options.
One form, one named team.
And an answer you can pass on.