October 17, 2014

Boston Globe reports on legal aid funding crisis in MA

Follow this link to read about the report just released by a state-wide task force convened by the Boston Bar Association. Findings after an 18-month investigation:

• Mass. legal aid organizations turn away nearly two thirds of people qualifying for civil legal assistance in 2013 due to lack of funds.
• In cases involving family law, such as child custody and domestic abuse, four out of every five cases were turned away.
• Funding for legal services has shrunk to a ‘crisis’ point, according to Harvard Law School Dean.
• Massachusetts spends about $15 million yearly for legal aid. The report calls on the state to provide an additional $30 million over the next three years.
• The economic benefits would far outweigh the cost of providing services, with an estimated saving of about $25.5 million in emergency shelter services and other costs.