LSC Explains That "Broad and Flexible" Interpretations of Certain LSC Restrictions and Other Rules Will Govern Legal Aid Provided to Victims of Hurricane Katrina
Friday, September 16, 2005
- Organization: The Brennan Center
- Source: Montana > Montana Advocate Resources
LSC "will give broad and flexible interpretations to timeframes and documentation provisions in the regulations to programs providing disaster assistance to persons affected by Hurricane Katrina," according to a memorandum issued this week by LSC President Helaine Barnett to executive directors of LSC-funded programs.
Demand for LSC-funded services is expected to increase in states where evacuees are now living, as well as in states directly hit by the storm. To cope with the increased need, LSC grantees providing emergency legal assistance may accept clients with incomes up to 200 percent of the poverty line; exercise flexibility in setting asset ceilings when determining client eligibility; represent immigrants without alien eligibility documentation; and provide outreach and community education services despite the LSC restriction that prohibits solicitation.
When evaluating case documentation, LSC also "will make note of the extenuating circumstances faced by the affected programs." LSC calls on grantees to give Katrina victims in need of legal representation "a voice and some degree of control in a situation that [is], in many ways, out of control."
Demand for LSC-funded services is expected to increase in states where evacuees are now living, as well as in states directly hit by the storm. To cope with the increased need, LSC grantees providing emergency legal assistance may accept clients with incomes up to 200 percent of the poverty line; exercise flexibility in setting asset ceilings when determining client eligibility; represent immigrants without alien eligibility documentation; and provide outreach and community education services despite the LSC restriction that prohibits solicitation.
When evaluating case documentation, LSC also "will make note of the extenuating circumstances faced by the affected programs." LSC calls on grantees to give Katrina victims in need of legal representation "a voice and some degree of control in a situation that [is], in many ways, out of control."
