New LSC Toolkit Aims to Increase Veterans’ Access to Civil Legal Services

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WASHINGTON - The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) has released a new toolkit to help legal services providers, volunteer attorneys and community partners expand veterans' access to legal help.

Civil legal problems - from threatened evictions to other-than-honorable military discharges - are among the most common obstacles to veterans' health, housing and stability. According to the latest CHALENG survey, conducted annually by the Veterans Administration, seven of the 10 most commonly identified unmet needs among homeless and at-risk veterans involve legal issues. Additionally, LSC's 2022 Justice Gap report found that more than three-quarters of low-income veteran households experienced at least one civil legal problem in a year.

"Veterans should never have to face potentially life-changing legal challenges alone," said LSC President Ron Flagg. "LSC is committed to partnering with our grantees and other service providers to make sure those who served our country have access to the assistance and resources they need when it matters most."

Free legal clinics play a critical role in connecting veterans with the help they need to resolve their legal issues, Flagg said. LSC's new toolkit provides practical guidance for planning and operating successful veterans' clinics, including step-by-step instructions, templates and practical resources. The toolkit is based on LSC's clinic model, which incorporates preregistration, holistic service delivery through partnerships with Veterans Service Organizations and "warm handoffs" to help ensure veterans receive seamless, comprehensive support.

Designed for legal clinic organizers, volunteer attorneys and support staff, the toolkit also includes information and resources to help veterans better understand and address their legal needs.

"Our nation's veterans put everything on the line in service to their country," said Lt. Gen. David D. Halverson (U.S. Army, Ret.), co-chair of LSC's Veterans Task Force and chairman and CEO of Cypress International Inc. "We have a responsibility to ensure they receive the support they need to build stable, fulfilling lives. This toolkit will help communities connect more veterans with the civil legal assistance they need."

The toolkit was developed by LSC staff, members of LSC's Veterans Task Force and partners who organized pilot legal clinics in Broward County, Florida; Warner Robins, Georgia; and Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Explore the toolkit and learn more about legal aid's role in helping veterans.