Referrals

While the CARPLS’ legal aid hotline has proven to be a highly cost effective means of resolving a wide range of legal issues confronting low-income families, it is not the answer for everyone. Many of our clients have complex legal problems or social service needs. In response, CARPLS maintains an extensive network of legal and social service agencies to complement and complete our service. If a CARPLS attorney determines that a client requires more extensive legal services, he can quickly and accurately match the client to the most appropriate full-service legal aid provider available. Sometimes a client interested in filing a bankruptcy may be better served with a referral to a consumer credit counseling agency. Similarly, a victim of domestic violence may need a referral for counseling or help locating a shelter for safety. CARPLS works closely with all of the affiliated agencies in our network to ensure that our clients receive the varied services they require. This referral network, which now includes more than 40 legal aid programs and over 400 social service agencies, continues to evolve as CARPLS seeks out new resources to meet the changing needs of our clients.

"CARPLS is an invaluable partner to CGLA. We receive hundreds of calls from vulnerable individuals each month with an urgent need for legal assistance. While we assist hundreds with legal needs in our practice areas, many others do not fit within our expertise or case guidelines. In those instances, we know we can provide the CARPLS hotline number in full confidence that the caller will speak to an informed, caring individual who will not send the caller on a wild goose chase. We know CARPLS shares our deep commitment to meaningful, effective representation."

-Robert B. Acton, Former Executive Director, Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic