Government

Ministry of Attorney General

About Us

Management of the Justice Access Centre

The Justice Access Centre is led by the Ministry of Attorney General. Agencies involved include the Legal Services Society and Family Maintenance Enforcement Program in Nanaimo and, in Vancouver, the Legal Services Society, MediateBC, the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program and several organizations that provide legal advice. Both locations link with other community and government services.

Background

Justice access centres were created in response to justice reforms suggested by the Justice Review Task Force (JRTF). The JRTF recommended that new information and service centres be established, based on the recognition that:

  • lack of services and failure to co-ordinate existing services make it difficult for people to use the justice system;
  • providing information and services early is the best way to help people prevent legal problems from arising and to resolve problems quickly when they do occur.

The centres are currently testing this approach to help clients reach early and affordable solutions to legal problems, including both family and civil legal issues. The focus is on solving problems through out-of-court settlements, but also to better prepare those who do go to court. This broader approach will allow staff to recognize and help solve the social problems that often accompany clients’ legal problems.

Early evaluation of the Nanaimo project suggests we are on the right track, with clients reporting high satisfaction with the integrated services being offered, the assessment process and the helpful referrals to community agencies.