Iowa Legal Aid created the Survivors and Families Rural Access Project (SAFRAP) from a grant awarded by the United States Department of Justice Violence Against Women Office. The program spans 67 counties and is staffed by 3 full-time attorneys and 3 part-time attorneys. The project's aim is to provide a full range of legal assistance with civil law matters to survivors of domestic abuse. Assistance for clients includes help in obtaining restraining orders, and representation in divorce and custody cases. One innovative aspect of the project is to take a more holistic approach to the issue of domestic abuse, and provide legal assistance in other matters related to breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. These types of problems include matters such as retaining housing, assisting with unemployment claims, resolving credit problems, and obtaining public benefits. Another important innovative aspect is the extensive outreach which occurs, to increase the availability and accessibility of civil legal assistance to rural communities. This outreach is conducted by project attorneys equipped with laptop computers, modems and cellular telephones. This enables the attorneys to conduct intake interviews, maintain contact with the regional office, and communicate with clients, service providers and court personnel while on the road to various appointment or court hearings.
Contact Information:
Marti Nerenstone Managing Attorney Iowa Legal Aid SAFRAP Project 532 First Avenue, Suite #300 Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 Phone: (712) 328-3982
LSC:
America's Partner for Equal Justice 