Publications (available in hard copies at The Advocacy Centre)
- Safe Haven manual
- Guide to Trouble Free Renting
- West Kootenay Family Law Resources
- West Kootenay Referral Information
- Persons with Disabilities Application Kit: information sheet and checklist; letter to doctors; PWD sample form
- Specialized Victim Services brochure
- Advocacy Centre brochure
Links
Legal information/advice
- Legal Aid – 1.866.577.2525 Province-wide Call Centre. Available to people who meet financial guidelines and who need legal representation in court for; serious criminal charges with a likelihood of jail, mental health commitment hearings, serious family law problems, child protection matters and immigration problems. (Hours are Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri – 9 am to 4 pm and Wed 9 am to 2:30 pm) Call Centre has translation services available.
- Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC – 1.866.577.2525 Province-wide Call Centre. Specific assistance for aboriginal people who need legal representation in court for; serious criminal charges with a likelihood of jail, mental health commitment hearings, serious family law problems, child protection matters and immigration problems, legal issues on reserve, healing plans and Gladue rights.
- Lawyer referral service – 1.800.663.1919. The program will connect you with a lawyer for one free 30-minute initial consultation.
- Access Justice Pro Bono Law Clinics – 1.877.762.6664. Free 30-minute consultation with a lawyer if financial criteria is met.
- Dial A Law 1.800.565.5297 – Operated by the People’s Law School. Starting point for information on the law in B.C.
- Click Law
- Courthouse Libraries BC
Family Law
- Legal Aid BC Family Law Line – If you don’t qualify for legal aid, you may still qualify for free legal advice over the phone from a family lawyer. To find out if you’re eligible, call the Provincial Call Centre at 1.866.577.2525 between 9:00 and 3pm on weekdays (only open until 2:30pm on Wednesdays).
- Family Law Duty Counsel There is a ‘duty counsel’ lawyer present on Family Court days in Nelson and Rossland. Duty counsel will help you with your case in court if you do not have a lawyer of your own. To find out when there are Family court days, call the court registrar at 250.354.6165 (Nelson) and 250.362.7368 (Rossland).
Income Assistance and Disability Benefits
Landlord/tenant
- Residential Tenancy Branch
- Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre
- West Kootenay Landlords Association
- Rental Owners and Managers Society of BC
Other
- Ombudsperson
- FETCH For Everything That’s Community Health – Community and health resources in the Kootenay/Boundary
- Ministry of Justice – Victim’s Rights Your rights if you’re a victim of crime
- Mental Health Rights
- Housing in Castlegar
The Advocacy Centre 