Through Pro Bono Net’s collaborative initiatives, many individuals are finally getting the help they need.

Carol had been a victim of domestic violence for over 40 years and in the wake of the #MeToo movement, she found the courage to file for divorce. Her husband ramped up his attacks in retaliation in the following months and Carol recognized she needed to protect herself further. Luckily, she was screened and referred to Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC) through the Risk Detector. LSNC advocates assisted Carol in obtaining a restraining order to get her the protection she needs.

Over the last two years we have been expanding our Legal Risk Detector tool which allows nurses, social workers and allied professionals to screen seniors and homebound clients for potential legal risks related to housing, consumer debt and financial exploitation. The tool proactively identifies issues that often go undetected or unreported among older adults, and facilitate referrals to legal services.

Carol was helped by our partners through the expansion in Northern California. Our Risk Detector has armed organizations like LSNC with an effective tool in their community lawyering arsenal. This opportunity for increased collaboration afforded by the Risk Detector facilitates referrals from community partners to legal aid organizations in New York, Northern California, Maine and Alaska.