Policy Bulletin 2023 / 10 Care & Protection:  Certain care mediations to be conducted as an Early Resolution Assistance service

10 July 2023

The Board has approved changes to the Care and Protection policy with certain care mediations to be conducted through Early Resolution Assistance (ERA)

Background

In October2021, the Legal Aid NSW Board approved conducting early intervention family law mediations through ERA. ERA is a quick, low-cost service type that:

• provides legal representation in an established, independent dispute resolution process,
• is available to applicants who satisfy the eligibility criteria, and
• is available for disputes which can be resolved quickly and cost-effectively by use of the dispute resolution process on its own.

ERA has a streamlined application process with simplified eligibility policies reducing the administrative burden on inhouse and private lawyers. There is no paper application for ERA.

As part of these changes, the Board has approved removing the care ADR policies from grants of legal aid. Early Intervention mediations will be conducted through the Legal Assistance for Families Partnership (LAFPA) Pilot.

Commencement date:

The changes apply to applications for ERA funding determined on or after 10 July 2023.

Contact for further information

Please contact the Client Eligibility Unit on email Client Eligibility Unit for any questions on the policy change.