Northern Wisconsin Legal Needs Assessment
Community Public Forums
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Introduction
On June 18, 2004, Wisconsin Judicare held its first public forum, undertaking a study of the legal needs of those living in poverty in the northern 33 counties of Wisconsin. The resources available to meet these needs are seriously limited. It is hoped that the assessment will provide a useful starting point for the legal services provider community and our supporters to identify and set service priorities, to develop and distribute adequate resources to meet the need, and to formulate a strategy to achieve the best possible results given those resources. This study will include future forums, open to the public, interviews with private attorneys, written surveys, evaluations and responses from low-income clients or community members.
Schedule of Forums
| June 18, 2004 | Lac Courte Oreilles Hotel and Convention Center | Hayward, WI |
| August 20, 2004 | Park Inn and Suites | Eau Claire, WI |
| October 22, 2004 | Northern Lights Casino and Convention Center | Carter, WI |
| December 17, 2004 | Marathon County Public Library | Wausau, WI |
| February 18, 2005 | Comfort Inn and Suites | Stevens Point, WI |
Invitees
Each forum preceeded a Judicare Board of Directors meeting, to ensure participation by the Board, and to facilitate questions. Each Board member was extended an invitation to attend the forum, to repesent the Board, their own agency, firm or private practice. We determined that individual, personalized invitation would be an effective tool. We designed a list of invitees from surrounding counties including: Social service agencies, domestic violence shelters, community action programs, attorneys, tribal organizations and tribal members. Invitations were also mailed to Judicare clients (with particular attention paid to safety when extending invitations. Because of this, we knew domestic violence victims and divorcees, for example, would not be proportionately represented.)
Forum Facilitation
It was in our best interest to facilitate the forum in the most efficient manner possible, as the Judicare Board of Directors meeeting was set to follow the forum. We had designated exactly one hour for the forum. A Judicare staff attorney was the designated discussion leader/group facilitator. She introduced the Judicare Board of Directors, namely, the Priorities Committee, and allowed time for all attendees to introduce themseves, indicating their agency, community and county. She fielded questions, and encouraged others to participate. We were happy to keep our group to a size around 30 participants, to allow each individual enough time to speak and discuss. There were two designated recorders, and time was allowed for addressing topics and issues as well as concerns, barriers and resistance to change. There was also time to discuss community resources for change, recommended alternatives and solutions. The event was concluded with a summary of what was achieved, and a preliminary plan of action.
Results
Please refer to the following data file for a complete summary of Judicare's needs assessment, progress, and next steps.
Last Updated: April 13, 2008
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Disclaimer of Liability
Wisconsin Judicare, Inc. provides the information on this Web site as a public service to low-income persons in northern Wisconsin, our participating attorneys, card issuers, and other Internet users. While the information on this site is about legal issues, it is not legal advice. Laws vary from state to state and even federal laws may be applied differently in different states. Moreover, due to the rapidly changing nature of the law and our reliance upon information provided by outside sources, Wisconsin Judicare makes no warranty or guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of the content at this site or at other sites to which Judicare.org links.
