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The Many Rivers Family Violence Prevention Legal Service (FVPLS) provide community support workers and legal services to Aboriginal people who are experiencing or at risk of family violence. We have offices in Grafton and Kempsey and also service outreach communities including Taree. The FVPLS program is currently funded by the National Indigenous Australian Agency (NIAA).
our program
The FVPLS program provides a range of services and assistance to client in matters relating to guardianship applications, Apprehended Violence Order (AVO), dispute resolution, care and protection matter, court attendance and consent orders. We also deliver support groups and prevention programs for women, men, and boys. Our “Being in Control” program is one of our signature programs aimed at breaking the cycle of violence.
our highlights
our impact
FVPLS clients have been successful in Family Court applications.
FVPLS clients having their children returned to their care through the Family Courts. Working with clients to have their initial court decisions overturned and recieving recognition payments and counselling support.
Our clients have continued legal representation wthout the limitations placed on solicitors in the private sector or in Legal Aid
Our clients participating in the women’s, men’s and boy’s programs keep coming back and report that their mental health and their feeling of saety is improved, and that they feel like they can talk openly without fear of judgement
Our clients stay socially connected and supported to their community and culture through stressful and complex issues.
our learnings & growth
The priority for 2023 is extend our outreach service into Tamworth and Armidale. We also aim to improve our reporting system for client interaction to record and capture data required for reporting. We also aim to secure funding to access a comprehensive legal database so we can provide up to date legal advice for our clients.