Hancock County school board hears from legal aid program
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NEW CUMBERLAND -- The Hancock County Board of Education was approached, Monday, by representatives of a program which offers some limited legal assistance in an effort to provide a more stable home life for students in need.
Ruth Ann Douglas, the school district's attendance director, explained she and other representatives of the district attended a regional conference in November, where they learned about Lawyer in the School, a program offered through Legal Aid of West Virginia.
"We all seemed to think it would be a beneficial program for the county," Douglas said.
Heidi Kossuth and Amber Hanna were in attendance to share more about the program, noting it was launched in 2017.
"Since then, it has gone from a pilot program to a statewide program," Kossuth said.
The two noted Lawyer in the School forms partnerships with school districts, not taking legal action against the district, but, instead being available to provide a service for students and their families.
"Our goal is to resolve legal issues to stabilize the lives of children," Kossuth said, noting work in areas such as guardianship, adoption, assistance with government benefits, family law, housing, and the effects of substance use.
Hanna works in several schools in Kanawha County, setting up office hours, also known as clinics, accepting referrals from the schools, and organizing outreach events and family night workshops. Saying people can be hesitant to discuss their issues with lawyers, Hanna noted their efforts help to build relationships.
"They see us and it makes it easier for them to come to us," Hanna said. "We're just asking to be a part of the team."
Responding to a question from board Vice President Ed Fields about the use of attorneys, Kossuth explained most cases are handled by the staff from Legal Aid of West Virginia, but they do have a pro bono network throughout the state if they need assistance.
No decision was made by the board concerning the program.