One-day training sessions cover a range of legal topics and processes relevant to community workers and their work with clients.
Jess Porter from FLS discussed Tenancy Law including: Grounds for Notice to Vacate, alternatives for dispute resolutions and navigating Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Timing of served notices are important and, if incorrectly calculated can make the Notice invalid. Applicants are those making the application before VCAT and Respondants are those named as responding to the matter. On the day, the waiting process requires most of the time, with only a very short time spent on individual cases before a judgement. Judgments are binding and can be made in the absence of either party. Advocates or companions not named in the application are advised to accompany Applicant/Respondant.Shanee Lia from SKLS and Jess Porter discussed various aspects of Drug Law including:
-- how quantity determines charges from Possession for Personal Use, Possession with Intent to Traffic or Trafficking.
-- type of illegal drug determines permissible quantity for personal use
-- presence/absence of drug making, distribution or transportation affects charges
-- presence/absence of prior convictions
Sara Molenaar of SKLS and Jennifer Black of FLS discussed Police Powers, Supporting Clients in Court and Therapeutic Justice including:
-- Therapeutic Justice as a broad and "new" topic that acknowledges law breaking is usually a presenting symptom of deeper underlying causes.
-- difference between public and personal intervention orders and relative merits of either.
-- Other than offering the legal obligation of name and address, there are relative merits of "No Comment" when answering other police questions, when at other times full disclosure is in the defendant's interests.
-- Timely legal advocacy
-- depending on charges, pursuit of a range of remedies like financial planning, debt repayment plans and diversion programs to avoid/minimise incarceration.
-- depending on seriousness of the matter, bail is effectively one way the legal system tries to see how a person appearing before the court will use opportunity.
Full day training and catering was available to participants and event is AASW endorsed CPD activity. A worthwhile experience for anyone in Spiritual Care to demystify a complex process through a stressful time, from experienced insiders in the field.
On behalf of Buddhist Council Victoria Interfaith (bINTER) and Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN), thankyou to Organisers, Hosts, Participants and Presenters for inspiring demonstration of daily endeavor to make this place less Confused, more Just with longer term sustainable outcomes, received with gratitude.
Where:
Forum attended was at St Kilda Town Hall, a second one was held at Fitzroy with Ringwood forum still to come.
Upcoming Forum: online through Eventbrite:
Ringwood | Wednesday 9 November 2016 | http://cwfringwood.eventbrite.com.au
MORE:
Fitzroy Legal Service (FLS); Ela: estewart@fitzroy-legal.org.au
Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC); Jacqui: jacquid@eclc.org.au
St Kilda Legal Service (SKLS); Suzan: suzan@skls.org.au
