Women and Children's Department
The Women and Children’s Department (the “Department”) receives funding from the Scottish Government Violence against Women Fund, Comic Relief and Paul Hamlyn Foundation to undertake the following:-
Legal Advice
The Department provides legal advice and representation to:-
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refugee and migrant women
and children (who have experienced gender-based violence) in Scotland through its Women's Project and
-
refugee and migrant children and young people (up to age 25) based in Scotland through its Young Person's Project
It is recognised that there can be an unmet legal need in this area and that these individuals can be vulnerable in their engagement with mainstream legal processes. This is particularly the case where violence, abuse and exploitation have occurred within the UK.
As a result, the Department’s legal services are based on the following principles:-
- early and effective legal advice
- solicitors employ a human rights-based approach
- a holistic service is provided to clients
- assistance is tailored towards the needs of each particular client and provided within a safe environment
- solicitors work closely, and in partnership with, statutory and third sector organisations
The Department also identifies strategic litigation in order to improve practice for its client group.
Please see Women's Project and Young Person's Project for further information on the nature of the legal advice provided by each Project within the Department.
A copy of our leaflet will be available soon
Second Tier Advice
The Department, as part of its wider policy remit, is funded to improve outcomes for it client base in general and to safeguard and promote the rights of refugee and migrant women, children and young people across Scotland.
The Department therefore offers free second-tier advice to lawyers, organisations and individuals who are assisting or supporting refugee and migrant women, children and young people in Scotland. Please see Second Tier/General Advice
Policy, Research and Training
The Department also has a remit to contribute to training, research and policy in issues that directly affect refugee and migrant women, children and young people at a local and national level. Please see Policy, Research and Training
Contact Information
The Department is based at the main offices of the Legal Services Agency Ltd and the contact details for the Department are below:-
Women and Children’s Department
Legal Services Agency Ltd
3rd Floor, Fleming House
134 Renfrew Street
Glasgow, G3 6ST
Tel: +44 (0) 141 353 3354
Fax: +44 (0) 141 353 0354
The Head of Department is Kirsty Thomson.
If you wish to contact the Department, you can do so in the following ways:-
- Complete the below contact form and return it by e-mail, fax or post (contact details are noted on the form).
- Call our general office number, 0141 353 3354, and ask to speak to Iona Stewart who will complete the below contact form on the telephone.
The contact form can be found here – Contact Referral Form
If your query relates to advice then please see Second Tier/General Advice and WCD Referral Form