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<br />APPENDIX A <br /> <br />LEGAL AID PROGRAM OPERATING PROCEDURES <br /> <br />PREAMBLE <br /> <br />The Legal Aid Program (Program) is designed to provide advice. advocacy <br />and representation for those persons unable to pay for such services. In <br />addition. the Program can educate and inform persons in recognizing the need <br />for legal services and the prevention of legal problems. Furthermore. <br />applicants seeking aid under the Program may be referred to other agencies and <br />community service groups. including referrals to private attorneys. in order <br />to provide a comprehensive program intended to address all the needs of the <br />poor. <br /> <br />The struggle for equal justice under the law has long eluded the poor. <br />Neither equal opportunity nor equal justice can be achieved unless there are <br />effective counselors and advocates to represent them. The availability of <br />legal assistance is a necessity in protecting the indigent person from <br />unequal treatment under the law. <br /> <br />~ œJ~TDE <br /> <br />The objective of the Program is to carry out the purpose of the <br />corporation by providing those persons who qualify with the legal assistance <br />necessary to protect their rights. <br /> <br />It is acknowledged that- the Board of Directors of the corporation are the <br />same as those for the Community Action. Incorporated of Hays. Caldwell and <br />Blanco Counties (Community Action). a Texas Non-Profit corporation, and that <br />such corporation has a vested interest in providing initial intake services in <br />qualifying indigents financially for services in that such corporation <br />presently is required to do so under other community service programs. and, <br />therefore, for the consideration that Legal Aid accept those persons which <br />Community Action deems qualified for free legal services, Community Action <br />will make the determination of financial qualifications of those seeking the <br />services of the Program. <br /> <br />B. FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY <br /> <br />Before any person may be provided with services under this Program. the <br />individual seeking such service must meet the financial qualifications and the <br />legal matter must be within the criteria as hereafter established. <br /> <br />1. Community Action, through the Executive Director or its designated <br />party which Community Action may deem appropriate. shall: <br />