Legal Referral System Strengthening
The ultimate goal of the LHP is to build and strengthen a legal referral system in each community to promote access for legal assistance. This system requires that there is at least one person who can act as a focal person when a community member needs legal support. His/her role is to assist clients in accessing legal assistance through LHP or other service providers. This legal focal person is embedded in the “organizational structure” of their community. LHP works with these focal persons and provides them regular training.
Legal Counseling
The one on one legal counseling is the first step before representation to the Thai justice system. Clients can walk-in or through the assistance of other CBOs. The Case Worker initially interviews the client and will determine whether the case calls for an endorsement to the Legal Officer who provides legal information. The one on one counseling is also the stage to identify whether there is a need for psychosocial support, including shelter. In this case, Caseworker coordinates directly with relevant agencies such as Foundation for Women, Social Action for Women, Compassio, or Life Impact.
The goal of legal counseling is to provide legal fact, not how to win the case. LHP accepts cases even if the client is the perpetrator. It is vital that for a perpetrator, he/she needs to know the legal consequence of his/her actions. LH will represent this client to the court to receive a fair verdict as a penalty for his/her actions.
LHP plays an active role in assisting beneficiaries to increase their access to state-provided that are not fully adapted locally, such as Education for All, access to government health insurance, alternative care, and immigration-related queries.
Representation to Thai Justice System
Representation to Thai justice system refers to all the processes involved to establish a case, including the fact-finding mission, filing of the case in the Thai court, and ends when the case is closed. The case is closed when there is a verdict by the court. Other reasons for closing the case is the absence of sufficient evidence and clients not actively engaged with the case after several follow-ups for one year.
