The Community Legal Education Association (“CLEA”) provides legal information to Manitobans that helps them understand and navigate their legal situation. With its Law Phone-In and Lawyer Referral Program, callers can access legal information and advice from staff lawyers, and if appropriate, referrals to law-related agencies and a separate referral to a lawyer on the Lawyer Referral Panel. Additionally, CLEA provides presentations, workshops, and plain language publications on various legal matters.
Legal Aid Manitoba (“LAM”) provides legal assistance to individuals who qualify financially and whose cases have merit. LAM provides services in the following areas: public interest matters, family, immigration and refugee, residential tenancies, child protection, mental health, and criminal matters. LAM’s lawyers regularly travel to more than forty communities surrounding Manitoba’s major cities.
The First Nations Family Advocate Office provides information and assistance to individuals seeking a way to advocate for a child’s well-being while they navigate the child welfare system. A First Nation Family Advocate will help participants ensure that children are not placed in care for experiencing unique needs due to medical, behavioral, or mental health reasons; that children with traumatic experiences receive full supports for at least one year before any consideration of Voluntary Placement Agreements with Child and Family Services; and that children and families can access services within and outside the community.